
























































MAR 5 1898 


HENRY MAYNARDS 

ADVENTURES 
IN THE 

ARCTIC REGIONS 


TRANSLATED BY 

A. J. PETERSEN. 


Copyright, 18D7, by A. J. PETERSEN. 

M 







4341 


THE GAZETTE PRINT, 
Green Bay, Wis. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 


3 


CHAPTER I. 

It was midnight, and the time for changing watchman 
had arrived. The night was very dark, and the waves 
roiled as high as mountains. Thunder claps came heavy 
and rapidly, and quick Hashes of lightning crossed the 
heavens; the wind howled and roared through the rigg- 
ings. 

It was on board a large vessel built chietly for w'hale- 
fishing, which was now making its way through the 
northern waters, and was in 60 degree north latitude. 
Although it was in the month of June it was terribly 
cold. 

By the faint light from a few lanterns, mingled with the 
sharp flashes of lightning, it could be distinguished what 
was going on, on deck. 

Two men were steering, their eyes constantly gazing 
upon the compass, and their ears strained to catch every 
order given by the captain, who, together with two men 
stood close by, their faces turned towards the bow. 

The vessel was under full sail; which made her almost 
too top heavy in a storm like this. 

“A rough night, captain,” said a young man who 
stood close by, his face almost hidden by his sou-wester 
which was pulled rather far down over his eyes, “this is 
the worst I have ever seen”. 

And as bad as I ever witnessed, Henry, answered the 
captain, and I have plowed the seas for nearly thirty 
years; but the polar seas are not to be compared with a 


4 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 
duck pond my boy.” Mr. Williams, we had better take 
in one of those top sails she is working terribly, continued 
the captain, turning towards a short square shouldered 
man who stood quietly by his side. Take in one sail ? 
Well I have not sailed in these frozen waters as long as 
you have, but I should judge we had better pull in all; as I 
think the bare masts would be safest in this storm. As you 
choose Mr. Williams, said the captain, 1 have never found 
your opinion wrong, and besides it is now your turn to 
take command, and I shall not meddle; call me at the 
least change in the weather; I dare say that the wind will 
drop off before morning. Come Henry, we will go below 
and rest a little while. 

Both the captain and Henry looked around, and 
although the wind howled, the waves rolled and foamed, 
and thunder and lightning seemed to increase in 
violence, there was not the least sign of fear in their faces 
as they went below to take refreshment and rest. 

They entered a small cabin which had but little accom- 
modation; on each side was a kind of a shelf about two 
feet wide, and about three feet from the tioor; these went 
by the name of “bunks” or beds. Here and there was a 
board projecting from the wall which answered for seats: 
in the center hung a lamp, which was so arranged as to 
always remain upright in whatever position the ship 
might be. 

Under the ceiling hung, guns, revolvers, swords, and 
different varieties of harpoons. The odor from tobacco, 
rum, soap, oil, cheese, etc., greeted them as they entered; 
and was far from agreeable to a man that was accus- 
tomed to the luxuries of a well arranged home. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 5 

But the hardships of the sea soon makes a man used to 
such, and he feels as contented to rest there as in the best 
furnished room. 

Both the captain and Henry were wet, cold, and 
hungry; and their first thought was something to eat; 
which consisted of cold salt fish, a few potatoes and 
crackers, which was washed down with a mixture of rum 
and water. 

The captain was a man some over forty, with a rough 
weather beaten face; but still showing signs of good na- 
ture and intelligence. His short black hair was already 
turning gray; he was very sober, but just as they entered 
a smile crossed his face when he eyed the young man and 
saw the disgusted look on him in response to the odor 
that met them upon opening the door. 

Henry Maynard was a young man nigh on twenty-one, 
a little taller then the average, with an oval face, brown 
eyes, and very dark hair. He showed signs of good char- 
acter, when he spoke he drew the attention of those 
around him, as he had what is a blessing to men, “an ele- 
gant voice”. His forehead showed deep thought and 
hard study. In fact, according to his whole bearing he 
seemed out of place in the cabin of this whale-hunter. 
He was however in sailor costume and was first mate on 
board the “Fanny”. 

The reason for a young man of his standing to take 
this course in life will hereinafter be explained. 

Now tell me Mr. Maynard, said the captain as they sat 
down to partake of their cold lunch; what do you begin 
to think of Polar expeditions, whalefishing, etc? 

It is as I expected; hard work, more storms and rough 


6 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


weather then calm, said the young man, as he grabbed foj 
the edge of his bed to keep from being thrown across the 
cabin, the ship rolling and plunging fearfully. 

I should say so Mr. Maynard, we hare had a very 
rough voyage so far; we have arrived early on fishing 
ground, and not a whale has showed up yet, and I heard 
some remarks among the crew that we would have bad 
luck, said the captain eyeing the young man closely. 

You know Captain Shipton that whale fishing is not 
our main object, although we expect to pay part of our 
expense with it. I am here on other business. 

I am aware of it, Mr. Maynard, but how could you 
leave your father’s house, your pretty intended bride, and 
all the luxuries and happiness of a home like yours to 
come out here and be tossed around by the foaming 
waters of the ocean, perhaps never to return again V as 
for me, well I am a poor man and compelled to in order 
to earn a living for my wife and children, “God bless 
them”, but with you it is different. I have not the edu 
cation you have, although I had a better rearing than 
most sailors. But I fail to see what could induce you to 
take this step; you have wealth, a girl you love, a happy 
home and everything a man can wish for in this world, 
at your command. 

Mr. Shipton. 1 am not very sleepy, and if you have an 
hour or two to spare, I will now, that we are drawing near 
the scene, explain to you how I came to be here, and my 
motive for coming, at the age of rw r enty-one, to the Polar 
seas. 

I will remain up all night, said the captain, tilling his 
pipe and speaking with an air of good humor, if I can 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 


7 


get this matter fully explained to me. Take a pipe young 
man, a sailor can’t get along without tobacco, and you 
know I hate to smoke alone. 

Well, to please you captain, said Henry with a smile, 
will take a few puffs, but as to learning all that is cus 
tomary to the life of a sailor, outside of business duties 
I don’t feel much inclined to, and the young man sa 
down to commence his story. 

As 4 the captain was familiar with certain parts of his 
history, which Henry therefore left out in their conver- 
sation, we will now explain a little more definite, so as to 
make the reader better acquainted with his situation. 

He was the only son of a wealthy merchant, who 
owned, besides his immense business property, a large 
place at Petershill, which his wife had inherited. 

Being rich and quite liberal, he spent large sums in 
completing a library in which could be found books of 
nearly all discretions. 

His place of business being in Plymouth, he spent most 
of the day there, but left his wife and child at their 
country home, as he thought it the best place to bring up 
their boy. Mr. Maynard used to go on horse back to 
attend his duties, returning for supper, and then spend 
the rest of the day in company with his wife and child, 
or if they had other engagements he would go to his 
library to read. 

His little boy had all the enjoyments of the day. A 
park with a herd of deer, a large pond which was always 
supplied with boats and small vessels under the super- 
vision of an old sailor by the name of Timothy Stop, who 
after a number of years’ service on one of Mr. Maynard’s 


8 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

vessels had lost one leg, and was now young Henry’s 
servant and companion. 

He would take him boat riding and would tell of his 
adventures on the ocean; thus the boy became more and 
more interested in reading about expeditions, voyages 
etc. 

He would study hard at his daily task, and then rush 
into the library, take down Cook, Haklyt, Frobisher or 
Barenz, and would be so interested in reading that he 
seldom would notice anyone entering. 

As long as he attended his regular studies and daily 
exercises properly, his father would not interfere with 
his reading in the library, or tak^ a book and go out to 
some secluded spot on the premises. 

Henry was accustomed to rise at six in the morning, 
go out for a walk in the park (generally taking Mr. Stop 
with him), and return at eight for breakfast. 

It was one morning in the month of May, the year of 
his tenth birthday (it being a holiday and his father and 
mother having stayed in the city that night), that he 
went into the library at daybreak and hunted the shelves 
over as though nothing was suitable; finally taking down 
a book he started out alone. 

Passing through the little growth of trees opposite the 
house, he went along a narrow path to a well hidden spot 
in the woods. This was his favorite place. 

The hour of eight arrived, but Henry had not showed 
up yet. Thinking that he had gone to the city to meet 
his parents, nobody thought of looking for him. 

But at five o’clock in the afternoon he returned, pale 
and excited, his eyes staring as though he had been 


9 


HENRY MAY'NARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

frightened by some wild beasts. He was very hungry, 
His father, having just arrived, asked him where he had 
been. 

Spent the day alone reading, he answered slowly. 

He was not questioned further, but his father told him 
not to forget his meals another time, as such neglect was 
injurious to his health. 

He ate his meal without saying a word, something that 
was unusual, but it was thought to be on account of not 
having had any nourishment all day. 

I think you better go out and take a little walk Henry 
said his mother, after they had finished their meal; take 
Mr. Stop with you. but be back for tea; and don’t run or 
get overheated as you are feverish. 

Thank you mother, the air will do me good, said he, 
and nodding to his parents he walked quietly out. 

A few minutes later they saw him with a book under 
his arm, walking in the direction of the woods, in com- 
pany with Mr. Stop. 

That boy has a great desire for reading, said his father; 
will have to take him into town for a change, he needs 
more excercise. 

He looks paler of late, said Mrs. Maynard; but Stop 
can take him out a little more; and L will get him to ride 
by my side, when I go out for my afternoon ride. 

That is a good idea, dear Helen, said Mr. Maynard as 
he rose and walked out. 

The next morning, and for a month after, Henry and 
Stop would go out regularly at a certain hour; taking 
their breakfast with them, which consisted of bread, but- 
ter and milk : returning at ten to wash and dress, and then 


10 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

part; Henry going to his studies, and Stop to rig a boat 
or other work for his young master. 

Their four hours absence regularly every morning made 
Mr. and Mrs. Maynard wonder at what they passed their 
time with; and took up the task of investigating. 

One fine June morning they started out together in the 
direction they had seen Henry and Stop so often go; and 
following a crooked path that led through the thick 
woods, they soon heard voices. 

Going in that direction they came to an open spot; they 
stopped short, and looked surprised; there was their boy 
imitating Robinson Crusoe on his island, Mr. Stop acting 
as Friday, and a goat enclosed with a few pickets 
answered for Crusoe’s herd. 

Old Stop was busy sawing a plank, while Henry with 
an old umbrella over his head, was giving his orders from 
a book which he held in his hand. 

Now Friday, he said suddenly, we must have our break- 
fast I feel hungry. 

Y"es Mr Robinson, said Stop; but first let me feed the 
goat. 

And while Henry laid on a plank and read the book/' 
which we readily guess was the, story of “Robinson 
Crusoe,” the brave old Tim Stop went and fed the goat 
which Mrs. Maynard recognized as one of her pets, 

Mrs. Maynard was about to speak but her husband drew 
her back and let her quietly away. 

When out of hearing Mrs. Maynard asked; but why did 
you come away so quiet ? 

Because my dear Helen, the boy looked so happy, L 
would not for all the w r orld have disturbed him there. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 11 

So they walked on towards the house and for some 
time paid no more attention to Mr. Robinson and Friday ’s 
morning walk. 

But after a while this began to drop off, the boy taking 
more interest in other books and did not spend as much 
time in the woods. 

One day Mr. Maynard said in a pleasant voice; well 
Mr. Crusoe you seem to be getting tired of your island 
and your cave ? 

What papa! did you know that? said the boy blushing. 

Y'es my son, for three months have I known it, and 
your mother also. 

And you never scolded me? said Henry, his face 
brightening as he spoke. 

My dear boy, you seemed so happy, and always attend- 
ed your studies and other tasks to my entire satisfaction; 
1 have always allowed you to enjoy yourself to your 
heart’s content; when you only kept out of mischief; but 
how did you come to feel so interested in your imagined 
cave? 

Because I seemed a little like Crusoe; I should have 
felt perfectly happy had I been in his place/ 

But my dear boy, you don’t seem to think of his suffer- 
ings and loneliness. 

But he had Friday for company. 

Yes, at the latter end it was not so lonesome, but he was 
alone for twenty years, without mother, sister, friend or 
companion; and you will remember that his life was a 
constant battle. 

But papa, who can gain a name without hardships; see 
Captain Cook. 


12 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

My dear boy, Captain Cook went through everything in 
reality; and done service to his country; but Robinson 
Crusoe lived only in Daniel Defoe’s imagination. 

What ! Robinson Crusoe only a story, and no truth in 
it! cried Henry at the top of his voice, and his eyes filled 
with tears. 

Yes my boy, and one of the finest ever written; it is 
very enteresting, and we can learn a great deal from it. 
First we learn how Crusoe suffered for disobeying his 
parents; then he is taken a slave and afterwards thrown 
upon an island; here God has mercy on him and keeps 
him supplied with the necessary wants; finally when his 
thoughts are gathered and he begins to love his redeemer, 
he is given a companion, and at last released from his 
lonely place. I hope to find you interested in it when you 
grow up, as well as now. 

Henry did not answer; he remained quiet and after a 
few minutes reflection he suddenly started out to tell Mr. 
Stop that they had believed in something which never 
had occured; and it is hard to explain who was the most 
surprised the old sailor or the boy. 

CHAPTER II. 

Years rolled by and Henry reached his fifteenth year; 
his parents talked about sending him to the university. 

My dear father and mother, said he slowly when he hacL. 
heard their plans; I ask you to listen a few minutes to 
me, I like to study; 1 take great pleasure in books, and 
what they teach. But I must sometime or other go to 
sea, take a trip to other parts of the world — . 

Go to sea! exclaimed his mother in surprise. 

Listen to him my dear, said Mr. Maynard. Continue 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


13 


Henry. 

I know a good deal now, almost enough, if I continue 
to read, to become a merchant or a private gentlemen. 
But my dreams and thoughts are of nothing but travel- 
ing, ships, water, and to see other countries, and this 
is my wish. L?t me go to sea, take a few trips, while 
you are still both young, and then I will come back and 
be your company when you get old. I will take books 
with me, and try to learn different languages, and then 
afterwards when you desire me to stay home, I will obey. 
But let me go to India, and America, then I shall be 
satisfied, and now dear father and mother, I pray, let 
me go. 

My dear, said Mr. Maynard turning to his wife, the boy 
is right. By doing as he now want to I learned to asso- 
ciate with different class of people, and in my travels both 
on land and water 1 learned the course to take as a 
merchant and do a successful business. The boy is right 
although it makes me feel sorry that he has chosen this 
course, and to think that we must part with him. But 
we must not object, he will have no desire for anything 
else as long as this is his sincere wish, and a voyage or 
two will be sufficient to satisfy his craze. 

Oh, my dear father, said Henry with sparkling eyes, 
and, turning to his mother he put his arms around her 
neck, pressed a kiss upon her cheek as he said: do you 
give your consent also? 

Don’t kiss me you naughty boy when you wish to leave 
us, said his mother with tears in her eyes. 

But when I go to school or to the university, then I 
must leave you also, pleaded Henry. 


14 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

Yes, said his father thoughtfully, and perhaps come 
back less like our boy, then after a long voyage. 

This settled the case, and arrangements were made for 
him to take a voyage on the first vessel laden for India, 
Tim Stop was to accompany him as servant and com- 
panion. 

Thus he left, and for eighteen long months the May- 
nard mansion was quiet and lonely as though it had 
been deserted. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maynard were very sober and were often 
seen together talking in low whispers, evidently about 
their boy, whom they both loved dearly, and longed to 
hear his footsteps again. 

They had only received a few letters from him, as 
correspondence could only be had whenever the vessel 
landed iu some port, and it thus took a long time between 
every tiding they received. 

It was the day before Christmas, in the morning while 
sitting at the breakfast table discussing matters about 
the party and ball, that Mr. Maynard had promised his 
servants and employes, and saying how nice a time they 
could have if their son could be present, etc., when sud- 
denly a carriage from London stopped at the door, and 
a young man in regular sailor costume stepped out 
followed by an old man with a wooden leg, whom we at 
once recognizd as Timothy Stop, our old favorite. 

After giving some orders regarding his baggage, the 
young man rushed up the steps, while the old gent fol- 
lowed as fast as his wooden leg would permit. “My 
child!” exclaimed Mrs. Maynard. “My dear son,” said 
her husband, thank God that he has thus delivered you 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


15 


to us, and the next momeat he was in their arms. 

The joy and excitement that followed, is more than 
pen and ink can describe. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard looked 
at their boy and then at each other smiling; there stood 
their son before them, grown almost to manhood, tanned 
by the sun and ocean winds, but still the same pleasant 
smile. 

Mr. Maynard ordered several more invitations to be 
given for their party the next day, and everything was 
arranged at the very best. 

Christmas day came, and a pleasant party gathered 
at the mansion and Henry was the hero of the evening. 
He would tell stories about his voyage, would imitate 
the Hindoos and Ilottentotts and other nations whom 
he had met; and when he kissed all the girls, but most 
his cousin Fannie, his parents would look at each other 
and smile. The evening passed with dancing and other 
amusements, and everybody declared it to be the most 
pleasant Christmas ever spent. 

CHAPTER III. 

Henry’s next voyage was to America. He did not go 
there to write a book, but to gain knowledge in different 
branches of business, and to get acquainted with the 
ways and rules of the great republic. He travelled in 
the United States for two years, returning in his twentieth 
year, a man with a well cultivated mind and good char- 
acter; the seed that had been sown in his boyhood by 
reading, was now well harvested. 

Still he was always thirsting for more knowledge, and 
although he was needed in assisting his father in his 
business, he spent a great deal of his time at their country 


16 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


home, where he could indulge more freely in. reading; 
and he chose his old lonely spot in the woods. 

But he found now a different companion to accompany 
him there; his cousin Fanny, a pretty girl of nineteen, 
with a graceful form and a very pleasant face, and a 
pair of eyes that showed love and tenderness in her heart, 
was now a steady inmate at the Maynard mansion. 

Her parents both being dead, Mr. Maynard thought 
it his duty to take charge of his sister's only child, and 
he invited her to make her home with them, which she 
gladly accepted. 

Henry would take Fanny with him occasionally to his 
secluded spot in the woods, and would tell her about his 
boyhood days, or read to her: but when she was with him 
it was no more Robinson Crusoe or Cook he would read 
but Milton, Thompson or Shakespeare. 

And when he would taik about how he used to imitate 
Crusoe when a boy, he was wondering why Defoe had not 
sent an angel of the feminine sex to accompany Robin- 
son Crusoe on his island, instead of a black native; 
Fanny would laugh at him and call it all nonsense. 

One day they were sitting side by side reading Romeo 
and Juliet; Henry would often pause, look at Fanny and 
draw a deep sigh; suddenly he closed the book. 

“Fanny,” he said in a low tone, “my feelings for you 
have long been known to me; and the time has come 
when I must reveal the secret of my heart I love you, 
not as a cousin, but as Romeo loved Julia. We are nearly 
the same-age, why should we not some day become man 
and wife? See how happy papa and mamma are; there 
could be no better happiness in store for us than to live 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARTIC TRIP. 


17 


a life like theirs. 

Eanny sat motionless for a few minutes, her hand rest- 
ing in Henry’s, and not able to keep back the tears that 
forced their way and rolled down over her cheeks. Finally 
she answered. 

“Henry, I will not deny that under certain circum- 
stances would, what you have just said, make me feel 
happy. It is sweet to be loved and sweeter still to love. 
But I have lost my parents, am a poor girl, and am here 
through your father’s kindness. Therefore let not such 
thoughts cross our mind. You are wortny of some 
greater lady, so forget what you have said, dear Henry, 
and let us xemain cousins and friends. If not, then I must 
depart from your father’s house, as I could not bring 
such disgrace to your parents — 

Sh! Fanny, broke in Henry; you do not know my 
parents. They are not alone good-hearted and kind, but 
would do anything for me, and would not object to my 
choice. 

No, no, Henry; that would be trespassing on their 
kindness after giving me a home under their roof when 
I was left alone and almost penniless; let us not talk any 
more on that subject. I feel that I am doing wrong by 
just listening to you. 

No, no, dear Fanny, said Henry lovingly; there can. 
be no harm >n listening to me, to your coming husband. 

Sh, Sh, Henry, don’t talk so fast. Forget this, and 
look upon it oily as a pleasant dream. 

‘Never!” exclaimed Henry. 

Well, then, it is clear to me what my duty is. If you 
have not the manliness and strength to break up this 
conversation, I must. Come, now, let us go to the house; 


18 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRTP. 


and she arose, followed by Henry. 

They walked arm in arm towards home and arrived 
just in time for dinner. Fanny was pale and her eyes 
showed signs of crying. 

My dear Fanny, what is the matter? said Mrs. May- 
nard, are you not well ? 

Y^es, quite well, said the girl shyly. 

My dear father and mother, said Henry as soon as the 
servant had left the room. I can tell you what is the 
matter. Fanny has refused to become my wife as she 
thinks it her duty because she is poor. 

“My sister’s only child, said Mr. Maynard, it has long 
been our wish that Henry would choose you for his com- 
panion through life. But we never would mention 
or show any sign that this was our hope, as we wanted 
him to be perfectly free in his love affairs. Come, now, 
make Henrv happy if you can; if you love him, let not 
your financial situation bar the way. 

My dear Uncle and Aunt, said Fanny, I must confess 
that I love your son, and if it is your wish that he should 
marry a girl without capital, I shall feel proud to become 
his wife. 

. Henry kissed a tear from Fanny’s cheek and then 
took her hand and led her to the table, where they all sat 
down to dinner. I will now tell you dear Fanny, said Mr 
Maynard; that you are not entirely without capital, when 
I took charge of your father’s affairs I found several in- 
debted to him, most of which I have collected of late and 
invested to good advantage. And you will have about 
six thousand pounds coming to you at the age of twenty- 
one. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 19 

What do you say Henry, if you have your wedding on 
Fanny’s twenty-first birthday. 

But dear father, that is two years yet, said Henry 
downhearted. 

Two >ears will soon pass away my son, and then you 
wiil reach your twenty-second year. I dare say you will 
not be any too old and I think you will find the time pass 
quicker then you now realize. I can not change this 
plan and I hope you will see into that I am right. 

Henry brought no objection but shook his head as he 
said, your will be done dear father, but two years is a 
long time to wait, God only knows what will happen ere 
then. 

These last words of his often came to their mind af- 
ter this and would always bring a heavy sigh and a sad 
look to Mr. Maynard and tears would roll down Mrs 
Maynards cheeks. 

Everything went pleasantly for awhile, Henry would 
share Fanny’s company as much as possible, and she was 
as happy as an angel. 

He would however not forget to read, and would often 
go into the the library, lock the door and read till late -at 
night. 

One night he called his father into the library, shut the 
door, and asked for an hour’s conversation. 

Mr. Maynard consented, rather surprised at the trou- 
bled look on his son’s face. 

Dear father, be began in a quiet and steady tone, I 
have concluded to make one more voyage. Nearly two 
years will pass before my wedding day, “when all notions 
for voyages must cease.” But ever since I was twelve 


20 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


years old one thought has haunted me both day and 
night, and it seems to work more on me now than before. 
In my dreams I see a vision which constantly *ays “go. 7 

Where? asked his now almost terrified father. 

To discover the North pole, answered Henry. 

My boy, my son, what madness has overcome you ? 

My dear father, it is no madness. Y ou have the means 
If I fail the loss will not be great, and if I succeed our 
name will be known to the world for centuries to come ; 
it will stand high, together with such as Columbus, Ma- 
gellan, Polo and others who have gained a famous name* 
You have a fishing vessel chartered to leave in a month . 
Give them extra provision, and let whale fishing be the 
object of the voyage to shield my plans. Leave the ves- 
sel in charge of Captain Shipton publicly, but give him 
private instructions that I am to be the leader of the ex- 
pedition. 

By starting out a week earlier than the now appointed 
time for the departure, we shall be able to reach the ice 
region this summer. I intend to winter as far north as 
possible, that I may next summer continue- my course 
and reach my destination, 

Mr. Maynard listened attentively, and with a troubled 
look gave in after two hours of discussion. 

It was announced at the table that Henry was to go on 
a whale-fishing expedition before the wedding. 

These news struck both his mother and the lovely Fanny 
with surprise. They sat thunderstruck for a while, but 
finally recovering, they brought in several objections, but 
of no account. Henry was now bound to go, and backed 
by his father, whose consent he had already gained, they 
too had to give in. But Fanny made him promise never 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 21 

to go again after he came back, which he readily con- 
sented to. 

Now everybody was put to work getting things ready 
for the voyage, and early in the month of May Henry 
was all ready, being well supplied with clothes, provis- 
ions, etc. 

It was early one Sunday morning that Henry left his 
home, in company with his parents and his intended 
bride. They rode along in an open carriage, everyone 
showing signs of utmost sorrow. Mr. Maynard, whose 
face was always beaming with joy, sat very quiet and 
thoughtful. Mrs. Maynard and Fanny shed tears freely* 
Henry felt worst of all. He knew that one word from 
his lips would change this sorrow into joy. But his 
things were on board and his object was to bring unto 
them a name above all. 

He had no time for reflection. He bid them all be in 
good humor, and promised faithfully to be back in due 
time. But alas! he had not dreamt of what he was to 
endure on his voyage. 

The ship was already out of harbor and had dropped 
anchor. A boat with Captain Shipton and four sailors 
was waiting at the landing. Henry bid them all good by 
and stepped quickly into the boat and bade the men 
shove off. 

When he turned his face towards shore he saw them all 
weeping and when he arose they waved their handker- 
chiefs. He swung his cap as a last adieu to his beloved 
and then went on board. 

The boat was then hauled in and the vessel set sail- 
This was the last they saw of him for many long years, 


22 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

years that seemed like centuries. 

“The Fanny” was the name of the vessel and it was 
owned by Mr. Maynard himself. It was well built of 400 
tons burden and was constructed chiefly for whale- 
fishing. 

The crew was large and consisted of tried men who 
well understood what was to be done on board. 

The captain was a man of experience and well used to 
rough waters. Henry, the leader acting as first mate 
was well learned. Mr. Williams, the second mate, was an 
old sailor, short, stout, very rough and quick tempered. 
He took great pleasures in giving orders, smoking tobacco 
and drinking whisky. When he came ashore he would 
spend his earnings as fast as he could. 

The crew had all been paid extra wages, something 
which brought suspicion as to the real motive of the trip# 
and was often discussed among the crew when the captain 
and Henry went below. 

My opinion is, said Williams, thaf there is something 
mysterious in this. We don’t get extra pay and extra rum 
for nothing, and if we were in the West Indies or on the 
coast of Africa I should say we were slave traders. 

So would I, said Jacob Hulk, one of the sailors. 

Say Hulk, you have been in these waters before, have 
you not ? asked W illiams. 

Yes I have. 

Well are there any inhabitants up north? 

Of course there are answered Hulk, there are the Es 
quimaux that live in ice huts. 

That’s it, said Williams, the negroes are getting too ex 
pensive and Mr. Maynard has sent his son out to steal 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 23 

some of these northern people, and Jack Williams is to 
turn pirate and hunt these poor innocent natives that 
never did him any harm. 

This idea became more and more general among the 
crew, but most of them did not care how they earned 
their money as long as they were well paid, and such wa s 
the feeling of the crew of the “Fanny,” which we left 
beating through a Polar storm and to which we now 
again return. 

CHAPTER IY. 

When Captain Shipton and Henry Maynard went on 
deck again the scene was very striking. It was terribly 
cold and a heavy sleet was falling which stuck to the 
sails, tackle, etc., and made the deck nearly impassable. 

The waves rolled high, the vessel at times being 40 or 50 
feet above the level of the ocean, and then again that far 
below. She would roll from side to side almost keeling 
compelling every man to hang on to, whatever was near 
at hand to keep from being thrown overboard. 

The wind was forcing them due north; the heavens 
were black and not a parting in the clouds visible. Not 
a word was spoken. The captain and Henry were walk- 
ing to and fro peering into the darkness for some sign 
that would indicate the end of the storm, but nothing 
could be seen. It is in the Polar seas that you will see a 
bad storm; the waves being raised to enormous height by 
the wind and striking against the icebergs they break, 
and thus making it worse than in the waters further 
south. 

At eight o’clock the captain and Henry went down to 
breakfast; at this time the sea had reached its fury; 


24 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


overhead was visible a copper colored cloud or fog, below 
were the rolling waves covered with white foam. No- 
body could hear a word unless the voice was raised to 
the utmost. 

When will this storm cease, said the captain after they 
had entered the cabin and closed the door. 

God knows, answered Henry; but where are we? I 
fear we are drawing near the icebergs, it will be danger- 
ous in a storm like this. 

So it would, answered the captain, according to my 
reckoning, we are in 64 degrees north; if this proves so, 
we are lost unless the wind soon ceases. 

Henry made no reply, but sat down thoughtfully re- 
flecting upon his fate, as to what would be the result of 
this voyage; he was beginning to think that discoveries 
were not so easily made and that he would have done 
better had he stayed at home, etc. Rut he would not 
make any remarks in regard to this, and not feeling like 
talking on any subject he remained silent. 

The movement of the vessel showed plainly that the 
storm was still raging. 

But all of a sudden the vessel remained level for a 
moment and began to duck and roll in a manner which 
had not occurred before; it seemed to be under no con- 
trol whatever, and it felt as though every piece of timber 
should be torn lrom their fastenings. 

A terrible situation, shouted the captain as he rushed 
on deck and followed by Henry. 

When they came up, the scene had changed most won- 
derfully; the wind had fallen off, the clouds were scatter- 
ing fast, and a few streaks of the blue sky were visible 
But the situation was more critical than before. The 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


25 


vessel was uncontrollable, and plunged fearfully; having 
no breeze it was useless to hoist sail, and they were now 
at the mercy of the waves, which were tossing them to 
and fro, threatening to break every plank. 

Breakers were numerous, and there was a feeling on 
board which no person can imagine; only those that have 
experienced a moment like this can describe the thoughts 
and condition of a man’s mind under such circumstances. 

However, this only lasted a short time as the waves 
became smaller, and by twelve o’clock, the sea was nearly 
calm. 

And as there was no wind yet, they were now almost 
motionless. The captain as well as the crew, were now 
eagerly looking in all directions but no land was visible, 
only the blue sky overhead and the waters below met 
their gaze. 

They found upon investigating that they were 64 de- 
grees, 30 minutes north. 

Even without a breeze, it was very cold and everyone 
felt that they were now in the polar region. This proved 
more true when a light fog cleared away in the distantj 
towards the northeast, and a huge iceberg became visible, 
bearing down upon them as though it would crush them 
in an instant; although it was at some distance, yet it 
was declared by all to be the largest and most dangerous 
looking ever seen. 

Henry stood aud watched this mountain of ice, and 
wishing the hour was near when he should set his foot 
on the unknown part of the world which he was now 
nearing. 

The iceberg seemed to be turned in some other direction 


26 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


and everybody was set to work; one man was sent aloft 
to be on the lookout. About an hour after, both the 
captain and Henry were startled by a cry from the man 
on watch. A whale ! A whale ! 

In what direction ? asked the captain. 

Northwest about a half mile, came the answer. 

Lower the boats ! shouted the captain in a cheerful 
voice; as Henry went below to bring a harpoon, and the 
crew made quick movements to prepare for the exciting 
hunt which they were all eager to take in. 

When Henry came on deck again, he found two boats 
already in the water with a crew of twelve men each. 
It had been arranged that Jack Williams should take 
command of one and Henry Maynard the other, the 
captain remaining on board. 

After having given the young man a few instructions 
and bade him be careful, the captain gave orders to 
shove off. 

The men lowered their oars and the two boats sped 
across the water with a rapidity, that only men with ex- 
perience and muscle could produce. 

They were soon notified by the man on watch that they 
were nearing the whale. 

It lay there like a rock, quiet and motionless, the sailors 
knew well that the quietness of a whale is just as deceiv- 
ing as that of a volcano, and are not safe one minute in 
its presence. 

They rowed now very carefull, Henrj, hardly able to 
control himself, he stood up in the bow of the boat with 
a shining harpoon clutched tightly, he was about to make 
his first attempt at whale- fishing, and as first mate, it was 
very important that he should succeed. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 27 

Williams, stood cool and ready in the other boat, bu 
occasionally casting a haughty glance at the young man 
who never saw a whale before and was trying to compete 
with an old experienced whale hunter. 

But he was not aware of the fact, that Henry, although 
only half as old, was a well educated man and had studied 
all the peculiarities of this ocean monster, and as 
Williams did not like him, he never spoke to him more 
then business duties required. 

They were now close to the whale, its entire length 
visible, and a slight motion showed that he would likely 
make a shift. 

Williams turned to give some orders to his men, when 
“Ah! what’s that” broke from his lips before he had com- 
pleted his orders, and turning around he coul’d hardly 
control his rage. 

Henry’s boat had gained a few feet in advance, and 
noticeing the movement of the whale, was determined 
not to let it escape, he raised the harpoon, took dim, and 
sent it with all his force, it struck the whale in the back. 
A cheer from the boat-crew gave evidence that Henry 
had aimed well. 

The minute the harpoon struck the whale, its tail went 
up, and forcing a lot of water from its nostril made a dive 
downward forming a whirlpool and almost taking Willi- 
liam’s boat down with it. 

Henry now let out the line and watched it as it was 
pulled off the spool, one man stood ready with an axe to 
cut the line when it was all out, in case there should be 
any danger of them being pulled under. 

The line was soon all out and they found themselves 


28 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


dragged through the foaming water with a rapidity that 
astonished our young hero, who stood eagerly watching 
the man with the axe. 

Not a word was spoken for some time every eye was 
eagerly watching for the spot where the whale was ex- 
pected to come up. 

Be quick in your action in case of emergency, whispered 
Henry to the man by his side, their situation becoming 
more critical, the water was now only an inch from run- 
ning into the boat. 

“Very well sir”, replied the sailor. 

But just then the line slackened and the whale appeared 
on top of the water nearly a quarter mile distant, but only 
for a few minutes, when he started of again with the same 
rapidity as before. But this time he did not go far and 
appeared on top coming slowly in direction of the boat 
at the same time discharging a lot of blood and water 
through his nostril. 

He has enough Mr. Maynard, said Jacob Hulk, but 
isn’t he a monster? and you aimed well I never seen a 
whale hit any better. 

I feel liattered by your remark. Hulk, but watch him 
close he may deceive us yet. 

That’s what, said Hulk aloud, but whispered, dont you 
think Williams will be offended? 

“I don’t see any reason”. 

Well you see he had made up his mind to make the 
first catch and he felt confident that he could compete 
with you any time. 

It is very foolish on his part answered Henry, and 
turning to his men he said, pull in the line and get it 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 29 

rolled up, the whale had by this time turned over on his 
side and showed no more signs of life. 

Henry looked around tor the vessel and saw her coming 
under full sail ta wards them, Williams boat was about a 
quarter mile off in the opposite direction. 

When the vessel arrived at the scene the men were all 
ready to procede with the, less agreeable part of the work, 
„ that of cutting up the whale. 

“Well done 4 ’, Mr. Maynard said the captain as he leaned 
over the railing, viewing the monster, this prize gives you 
credit. It is one of the best specimens and a good 
commencement. 

A fair beginning, and a sign of good luck, I think said 
Henry, as he went on deck and the men began their 
work. 

Williams came on deck a few minutes later and his 
rage was plainly vissible, although he tried hard to con- 
trol himself, the sharp eye of the captain had already 
studied his inward feeling. 

It is my idea Mr. Hulk, said 'Williams that evening as 
they lay outstretched and smoking their pipes, that this 
our young man who claims himself only in the twenties, 
is an old experienced whale hunter, and has been lishing 
more then twenty years. 

Y es, in his fathers fish por together with my old chum 
Timothy Stop, said Hulk wii Hearty laugh. 

No joking now Mr. Hulk 1 mean what I say. 

So do I Williams, ha! ha! ha! 

Well I have read about a woman b> the name of “Nina 
Close,” that looked like a young girl at the age of eighty— 

“Nail that down”, cried the crew, that is to much of a 


30 HENBY MAYNAKD'S AECTIC TEIP. 

yarn for sensible men to believe. 

Well I don’t care about your believe growled Williams. 
I have my theory, he is supposed to be twenty but will 
never get back to see forty again. 

The next day they killed two whales, one of them being 
Williams victim, which gave him a little better humor 
and for ten days the crew of the “Fanny” had excellent 
success. 

But suddenly luck seemed to cease; no more whales 
came in sight and they concluded to continue their 
course north. 

Some time after they had left the fishing ground the 
captain and Henry were walking on deck. It was early 
in the morning; the air was clear and growing colder. 

You look troubled Henry, said the captain with a 
smile. 

It seems to me I can feel the ice, answered Henry 
slowly. 

“Feel it,” well yes; look over the railing my boy and 
you will see it. 

Henry walked over to the side and looked down; he 
saw large pieces of ice floating around them. 

lie remained silent; he was now in the mysterious 
ocean whose secret he had came to solve. He stood gaz- 
ing across the waters as though he expected to see some 
signs of the wonderful point. But there was nothing 
visible except the ocean waters covered with floating ice, 
and occasionally a fog would appear in the distance and 
then clear away again. 

“An iceberg,” an iceberg,” bearing down upon us 
shouted the man aloft. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 31 

Ever} body ran forward to investigate and in a few 
minutes it hove in sight. It was about thirty feet high 
and coming very rapidly. 

Starboard a little, ordered the captain, and the vessel 
passed by unharmed. 

But this mountain of ice was not alone as was at first 
supposed, but was the leader of several more of different 
sizes, making it very dangerous, and if the frost should 
increase very rapidly they were apt to be froze in, sur- 
rounded by icebergs. 

It was the last day of August and a good breeze was 
blowing from the southwest, thus enabling them under 
full sail to force their way through the mass of ice, 
which, driven by the current, was moving in a southeast 
erly course. 

Suddenly to Henry’s great surprise it darkened all 
around them and he discovered two large icebergs bear- 
ing down upon them, one on each side and only about 
one hundred feet apart. The one to starboard was about 
fifty feet and the other about two hundred feet above the 
water. 

“All hands on deck,” shouted Henry as he placed him- 
self near the wheel. Every man responded to the call, 
and stood anxiously watching their captain who was now 
considering their situation, and seeing no other way of 
escape but to pass right through. He ordered all bump- 
ers and sheer-bars put out; this being done every man 
was put to working the sails, as the wind had now nearly 
dropped off. 

The channel which they were to pass was now about 
sixty feet wide at the entrance but less at the other end. 


32 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

Every man held his breath as they entered. The icebergs 
were drawing closer together, and keeping close to the 
smaller they were enabled to increase their speed by use 
of poles. 

As they were nearing the end of this unpleasant chan- 
nel the larger iceberg struck the vessel’s stern, giving 
them a very severe shock, whereupon they glided out into 
open water unharmed. 

Every one breathed now more freely, and as they looked 
back they eaw the two icebergs come together with a ter- 
rible crash. They felt that had this occurred a few min- 
utes sooner they would have been ground to pieces; and 
nobody would ever know what had become of the “Fanny” 
and her crew. 

•‘Thank God,” said the captain, “we are saved once 
more through His goodnes.” And several quiet prayers 
went up from the hearts of these rough seamen so far 
from home aud from those that love them. 

CHAPTER V. 

Nothing in particular occured for some time after this 
last incident, the time being spend in fishing and hunting 
as they advanced northward. 

They landed a couple times on some island where they 
were very successful in securing game, which was a great 
treat to them after living on salt meat for several months. 

Some of the crew encountered a bear, which came near 
proving fatal but after a hard fight they succeeded in 
killing the brute. 

About the middle of September they were in 74 degree 
north lattitude and Henry felt the time drawing near 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARTIC TRIP. 33 

when they should be cempelled to put up, for the winter 
as it was growing terribly cold. 

The crew having already had several disputes as to the 
real object of being in these waters at this time of year 
and still headed north, they saw plainly that unless action 
was at once taken to turn their course’ they would be 
compelled to winter in the polar sea. 

The remarks made by Williams (who hated the first 
mate from the start) had kept up a constant illfeeling 
among the crew, this however had not been noticed by 
Henry whose mind was taken up with numerous plans 
etc. But it had not escaped the sharp eye of the captain, 
and he watched every man closely. 

It was one bright morning, a heavy fog had hung over 
them for some time, when it suddently disappeared. 
Their situation was now plainly vissibie, nine or ten miles 
to the left they saw a point of land which they concluded 
was an island they had visited the day before. Ahead of 
them at some distance, they saw solid ice stretching right 
and left, thus cutting off any further advance, and all 
around them was ice floating so thick that they scarcely 
could see water anywheres. 

Captain Shipton, said Henry in a low voice as they 
stood close together near the bow, we must get into win- 
ter quarters, we have no time to loose. We will head for 
yonder island. 

But my friend answered the captain how will we get 
there, the wind is falling off and without a breece it is 
impossible to move through this ice. 

We must use our windlass and the large boat and try to 
get as near shore as possible. We must begin operations 


34 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

at once while there is a little wind to help us along. 

Very well then; but first go below and arm yourself. 
Now is the time to show authority, answered the captain. 

What do you mean captain? asked Henry surprised. 

There is an ill-feeling among the crew. Williams is a 
the head of it and it is my idea that they will not winter 
here if they can prevent it. 

Henry looked astonished and went down to prepare him- 
self as the captain had suggested, He placed a couple of 
revolvers in his coat pocket and went on deck again. 

Lower the large boat, but first put in the windlass, ord- 
ered the captain as soon as Henry had joined him. The 
men obeyed and nineteen of them were ordered in the 
boat and to work west, a line being fastened to the vessel 
and the windlass. 

At this moment, Williams came up to where Henry and 
the captain stood, and said. 

I don’t understand what all this work means; I cannot 
see any sense in it, and it is my opinion that we could turn 
our stern towards this ice region and be out in a short 
time. 

Very likely, answered the captain, but it is our wish to 
get to yonder island. 

Why? asked Williams; but it will freeze up and there 
will be no chance to get out if we remain aoy longer. 

Mr. Williams, said Henry in a pleasant tone, I think it is 
time now to instruct you that it is my intention to winter 
in this region; and we must try and reach land., or as close 
as we can at least. It was my wish that we could reach 
Heanre Bay for winter quarters-, 

“Winter quarters!” growled Williams and turned pale. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 35 

Winter it in Heanre Bay? Are you going crazy? 

Captain Shipton, do you intend to let your body freeze 
stiff to humor this lunatic? 

Mr. Henry Maynard is leader and first officer on board 
this vessel, and in regard to this matter it is my duty to 
obey his orders, answered the captain. 

Duty or not, I will obey no orders from him or from you 
either, if you too are getting crazy. 

Williams, said Henry in a commanding tone, no disobed- 
ience or rebellion here. I should feel sorry should I be 
compelled to use violence in keeping peace. But the first 
step yon take to raise a disturbance I shall not hesitate to 
show my authority. 

Williams muttered something between his teeth and 
withdrew; acting as though he had been conquered. 

The vessel had not made very much headway; although 
the men had worked at the windlass. The floating ice 
seemed to much for them. All of a sudden a breeze was 
felt and in a few minutes it was found necessary to call in 
the boat. They were now making their way through at 
the rate of two miles an hour. 

I think we shall reach shore said Henry well pleased with 
the outlook, the breeze is increasing, in four hours we will 
be there. 

Don’t be too sure answered the captain, this is the last 
wind for the season and when that is over you will find 
yourself frozen in. 

Do you think so? let us hope for better. I wonder 
how the crew will feel about wintering? 

Allright I think, if Williams was not here. 

About half an hour later they found themselves in an 


36 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


open space of water almost free from ice. 

The wind had made a shift and was now coming from 
the northwest, the atmosphere became misty and as the 
days are very short in this rigiou, night came very sud- 
denly. A few snow flakes were dropping on the deck, evi- 
dence of winter near at hand. They were now surround- 
ed by ice again, the wind having stirred the water to some 
extent, the vessel was being tossed amoDg the broken ice 
receiving several shocks that almost seemed to split its 
timbers. 

Suddenly they heard a crash and the vessel turned from 
its course, it ducked and rolled a few times and then 
lay motionless. 

At this moment the crew was seen coming in a body 
towards where the captain and Henry stood, with Williams 
and Hulk in the lead. 

Hold your ground, whispered Henry ; (at the same time 
putting his hands on his revolvers), the critical moment 
has come. 

The captain prepared himself without saying a word. 

Captain Shipton, said Williams, as they halted a short 
distance from their superior officer. I have consulted the 
crew, and they say that they will not winter in this frozen 
ocean. There is no reason why we should. We are willing 
to do our duty as sailors; but we will not be surrounded 
by ice the next eight or nine months. The winter is at 
hand; there is no more whale to be had this season, and 
we have had a good catch. Feel that breeze now from the 
north, so let us turn tail and get out at once. 

Stop! Williams, shouted Henry. You are all hired 
for two years; you have all done your duty till now. I 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 37 

must do mine. I have orders to winter as far north as 
possible, and in the spring continue the course. We must 
reach 90 degrees north latitude. Yeu know, now, why we 
are here; and if we succeed you know the prize— five 
thousand pounds. I ask nothing of this. If you will 
only assist me I will donate my share.” 

This was answered by a loud hurrah from three or four, 
but was quieted by Williams, who said; 

Re still, you fools, this is only a bait, we will never 
reach that point. And look at the birds, most of them 
leave this country in the winter. You can’t make me 
believe that any man can live here. No sir, Captain 
Shipton, if you want to be led by this fool, we will 7iot. 
You can settle this with one word. 

What do you want of me? asked the captain. 

Turn the vessel due south; run into some harbor on 
the coast of Greenland (if you do not wish to return 
home), where we can spend the winter comfortably, and 
we will return in spring to attend our duties. Consent 
or not, we have concluded to take this course. 

What is your reply Mr. Maynard, said Captain Shipton 
turning toward Henry. 

That any man who shall change a sail or steer this 
vessel contrary to my orders shall receive as compensa- 
tion* the contents of one of these, and he leveled both 
revolvers at Williams. 

“Knock him down,” growled the second mate. 

“Stand back!” Not a step farther said the captain raising 
his revolver. « 

Every man retreated and there was a low whisper, Wil- 
liams encouraging them to move forward, at the same time 


38 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

keeping himself well shielded behind the rest. 

But nobody heeded his words. There were several rea- 
sons why they kept back. First there were three [loaded 
revolvers to face; second, their own conscience told most 
of them that they had wronged their superior officers es- 
pecially Captain Shipton whom they all respected. 

A nice lot of cowards, growled Williams, a boy could 
chase twenty of you, and a man could change you into 
women with one word. 

Mark our words Mr. Williams, we are no more cowards 
than you are, and we are neither fools or old women. If 
you consider those playthings and those handling them 
little boys, why don’t you go and knock them down your- 
self. 

Fools and idiots, you would submit to being hung in 
these icebergs like frozen images. I don’t ask you to hurt 
either of them, it is for their own good as well as ours. 
Now move quick and disarm them. 

Mr. Williams, said Hulk, it would cost the lives of three 
men to do it, and you know as well as I do that we are 
laying ourselves liable for punishment, and I would not 
in my fortieth year be shot or hung. Captain, said he 
turning towards the old captain, and although it was 
terribly cold, he stood cap in hand as he spoke. I beg 
your pardon and if you will say no more about this 
matter, I will submit to your orders as before; L hav 
been misled. 

1 have always considered you an honest man Hulk, and 
I accept your proposition. You can come to me again 
and not a word shall be mentioned. 

Now listen to my last words, one and all. Lay down 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 39 

your bars, go back to your duties; the last man to obey 
shall be laid in chains and hung when we get back to 
England. 

Upon these words the crew scattered, and as the captain 
turned towards Henry he did not see who was the last 
man; and after this everyone obeyed orders promptly. 

It was now very dark and the vessel lay motionless; not 
a breeze to be noticed, and every man held his breath, 
awaiting what was to come. 

W e are freze in, said Henry in a low voice. 

I think so, answered the captain with a sigh, and 
rather far from land I fear. 

Perhaps, but we must not give up yet; we may be able 
to break a channel and get closer to shore tomorrow. 

Williams came up from below and asked, “What are we 
going to do? 

Wait till morning, answered Henry, and if the ice is 
too solid to proceed any further we will take all the sails 
off and use them as a tent over the deck. 

Very well sir ! replied the second mate, and then retired 
thinking it best to control his rage. 

It was terribly cold that night and cosiderable snow r fell, 
the frost increased rapidly, and by morning the ice was 
found to be six inches thick all around the vessel, thus 
making it impossible to go anv further. 

They at once began preparations to protect them from 
the frost which now every hour added an inch to the 
thickness of the ice. Sails, spars, poles and planks were 
used to cover the vessel. Every opening was closed up as 
tight as possible, and everything arranged as comfort 
ably as circumstances would allow. 


40 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


The temperature was now far below zero and dropping 
fast, so they decided to take off the night watch; the 
captain could see no use in keeping a man out in the 
cola, when they were froze in as solid as a rock. 

A good fire was kept going in the cabin all day, and 
large lamps burning oil were placed in different parts 
of the vessel. These lamps would furnish considerable 
heat and were kept burning all night, but the fire was 
only kept up through the day as there was a bigger 
supply of oil than coal. 

Extra flannels, mittens, etc., were now distributed 
among the crew, and thus everyone was prepared to 
spend the long, lonely winter in the polar region. 

Everybody would now go to bed about the same time in 
the eveniDg, arise at eight in the morning, build a fire, get 
breakfast and then part to spend the forenoon as best they 
could. 

Some would run races on the ice, others would start off 
to some projecting point io the distance thinking they 
might find some game but always came back disappointed. 

In the evening they would all gather around the fire till 
bedtime, Henry^spending most of his time in reading the 
history of some other polar expedition, and together with 
the captain iaying plans as to the best method of getting 
to the wonderful north pole, which s > many had failed 
to find. 

The crew would generally tell stories. Williams had now 
given up the idea of returning, was in good humor, and 
would entertain them with great yarns about some of his 
voyages. 

Thus passed the winter. The three months of con- 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 41 

tinued darkpess which are natural in that region, seemed 
very long. • 

Several hunting parties had been organized, but they 
never succeeded in getting much game, except a few polar 
bears which they happened to come across. 

CHAPTER YI. 

It was now in the month of May, and the air was al- 
ready warmer, the sun having melted some of the snow 
on the south side of the vessel; although the thermometer 
still registered below zero, it was the warmest day for 
nearly eight months. 

A party of six men besides Hulk and Henry started 
out in search of the island which they thought could not 
be far off. A handsled was loaded with provisions and 
drawn by two men. But they found to their sorrow that 
they had chosen a bad day for exploring. 

They had not gone far before they were surrounded by 
a thick fog; and after wandering around for nearly twelve 
hours they concluded to camp in the snow over night. 

Finding a large snowdrift they dug out square blocks 
with which to build a wall all around, leaving a small 
opening to crawl through. After having it all complete 
they crept inside, closed the opening which had served as 
a door, ate their supper and then laid down on their 
blankets; being all tired out they soon fell asleep and did 
not wake until the next morning. 

When they had eaten their breakfast they decided to 
return to the vessel and give up the search till some other 
time. 

This however was not an easy task, as it was still foggy 


42 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


and growing colder. It was not until they had wandered 
around for several hours that they succeeded in locating 
the vessel, and finally arrived there all tired out and dis- 
gusted. Another attempt was made but with no better 
result. 

In the beginning of June the wind was blowing from 
the north, the frost was quite severe and it seemed as 
though the winter would last longer than usual. The 
snow was deep but was covered with a crust strong 
enough to hold up a man. 

Several tracks had been seen not far from the vessel. 
Some thought they were that of a reindeer and concluded 
to gather as much game as possible, knowing that the ice 
must soon break up. 

As they thought these animals would not go any great 
distance on the ice, they were determined to find the land 
from whence they came. 

A party consisting of Henry Maynard, Williams, Hulk 
and four more of the best hunters was organized; they 
each carried a gun, plenty of ammunition, and in their 
belt two revolvers and a small hatchet. 

They started out one morning at daybreak: the crust 
on the snow was very hard and made traveling quite 
easy. The sky was clear and they could see far over the 
frozen surface in all directions. 

□ They soon discovered fresh tracks of different kinds 
of animals and sped forward with great hopes, not once 
dreaming that it was to be the most fatal and unlucky 
day for some of their party. 

They did not walk close together but spread out at a 
distance of about fifty yards apart, the man with the sled 
remaining in the center. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 43 

After they had gone some distance, they found the 
tracks leading in a ' more easterly course through 
mountains of ice with large crevices which made it more 
disagreeable. 

They halted and concluded to leave the sled at the foot 
of this glittering mas§ of ice, and then proceed with care, 
as they felt positive that there was game close at hand. 

See there, cried one, as he pointed to a fresh track, a 
bear has been here. Everyone looked around with the 
greatest caution expecting to see the form of a polar bear 
jump forward from behind one of those great pillars with 
which they were surrounded. 

After a few minutes pause they continued there course, 
keep your eyes well peeled shouted Henry as he hurried 
between two ice pillars that stood like the ruins of some 
old temple. 

After passing through he climbed to the top of a huge 
block of ice where he had a good view of the scene before 
him, he could see in the distance something, which he 
felt sure was the land to which the animals had made 
there way, and there he decided to go. 

Between this point and where he stood, at a distance of 
about 80 rods he discovered something moving about’ 
believing this to be a bear or a wolf, he called to his com 
rades, come on boys I see game yonder, and starting oif 
he ran about half ways without stopping, when suddenly 
he was surrounded by a blinding snowstorm. 

lie stopped, looked around, but could not see more then 
a few feet in any direction, he was almost covered with 
snow. But a few minutes later it stopped snowing, the 
clear sky was again visible, aud everything was the same 


44 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

as before, with the exception of his tracks which were 
altogether covered, and nowhere could he see any of his 
party. He had nothing to guide him, as Williams had 
the compass. 

There was a pain in his heart for a minute but he con- 
sidered his situation, and though he knew pretty close 
from what direction he had come. 

The snow that had fallen was damp as though it had 
been mixed with rain, which, as Henry well new, was a 
sign that the ice would soon break up; he now walked 
rapidly onward for some time but failed to find the place 
where he had entered between the pillars of ice. 

This somewhat frightened him, and he looked around; 
to his great surprise he saw several ice pillars and they 
all looked alike, so he could not tell which were the right 
ones. 

He finally discovered the place he had left right after 
the storm, but instead of being behind him it was at his 
side and only a little ways off; he had walked nearly in 
a circle. “Good heavens,” he cried, “I am lost.” 

For a moment he stood motionless, a cold chill creeping 
over him, but he gathered his thoughts and started in 
the direction which he thought would lead him out. 

Just then a large bird came Hying by, and in the hope 
of being heard by the rest of the party, and also to secure 
something to eat, he fired, the bird dropping a few rods 
ahead of him. He picked it up, put it in his game-bag 
and started off again witnout reloading the gun, his 
mind being already quite puzzled and his situation very 
critical. 

Being alone on the terrible ocean, miles away from 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 45 

land, nothing to lead him or show him which way to go, 
no provision but his bird and a little rum in a bottle; 
all their provisions had been left with one of the party 
while the rest should do the hunting. 

The heavens were again darkening and black clouds 
were seen in the west; the time had come when the ice 
was liable to break up at any minute. 

Henry was getttng very excited and walked with a ra- 
pidity that often made him stumble. 

Suddenly he came to a standstill. Only a few feet from 
him was a large polar bear; undoubtedly the one that had 
led him to leave his party at that fatal moment. 

The bear gave a sort of howl and raised on his hind 
legs, at the same time showing his teeth. 

Henry was too close to take time to load his gun and 
was too well acquainted with the bear’s motions to think 
of gaining time by retreating. He knew the bear would 
attack him at once, consequently he drew both his revol- 
vers and fired. 

The bear gave a loud roar and made a jump toward 
Henry, but right between them was a large crack in the 
ice which had been covered with snow, and into this the 
bear tumbled. 

This gave ITenry a little time and he quickly retreated 
a few steps, at the same time loading his gun. He was 
just ramming down the bullet when the bear came 
scrambling out, and came rushing forward. 

In an instant Henry had his gun to his shoulder and 
the report, together with a wild howl, echoed among the 
ice pillars around him. The bear was seriously and per- 
haps fatally wounded, but as he tumbled over and made 


46 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

no further attempt to rise, Henry did not investigate but 
started in search of his party. 

It was now getting dark and he could not see very far. 
What should he do? Where should he go? 

Almost crazed he ran hither and thither in the hopes of 
finding some trace of his companions. He was nearly 
giving up all hope when he stumbled over the hand sled. 
It was almost covered with snow; but there it was in the 
same spot where they had left it and close by the two ice 
pillars between which he had passed. 

His heart beat with joy, and he knelt down, thanking 
God for his mercy. 

There were no tracks he could follow, and being dark 
he did not know where to go, but he knew that he was 
only a few miles from the vessel and if he remained 
where he was until morning he could find his way back to 
the vessel, even if nobody came out to look for him. 

So he concluded to find a place to stay over night; he 
had often helped build huts of ice and snow when they 
had been compelled 10 camp out on previous trips, but he 
was now too tired to work, so he looked around and finally 
found a large hollow between two blocks of ice. 

He was about to enter, when he discovered that it had 
been occupied, he thought of the wounded bear, perhaps 
this was his den and that, if he was not killed, he would 
come back. 

But Henry was determined to pass the night near his 
sled, so he entered, and lightning a small torch, which he 
always carried with him. he looked around and saw that 
it was the den of some wild beast, the floor being covered 
w ith bones. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 47 

He was frightened at the thought of the animal return- 
ing, so he drew the sled over the opening, and oiling some 
loose ice around it, leaving a small hole through which he 
could crawl. When he had thus barricaded the entrance, 
he went inside. 

He then roasted a piece of his bird by the torch and 
this together with a drink of rum answered for his supper. 

Then he loaded both his revolver and his gun, placed 
his axe close at hand and laid down to rest. 

He was considerably troubled and thought of different 
dangers, most of all, that the ice would break up before 
he could get back to the vessel, but being all tired out he 
soon fell asleep. 

lie was awakened by a loud yelp outside and could hear 
something scratching and biting at the entrace; he knew 
by the howling that it was a polar wolf; he jumped up 
placed a revolver through a crack and fired; the animal 
howled and fled. 

At the same instant there was a rumbling sound as of 
thunder. Henry tore down the sled and jumped out, it 
was already daylight. The sound continued in all direc- 
tions. It was the breaking of the ice and water was seen 
boiling up through cracks in different places. 

The ice wh ere Henry stood began to sway to and fro’ 
leaning first to one side and then to the other, as though 
|t would turn upside down; but a sudden jar loosened it 
from the rest and it floated away with a rapidity which 
startled its only passenger. 

Turning around he caught sight of the vessel; they 
were hoisting sails and he thought they had given up all 
search for him. 


48 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


The sun was now very warm and the snow was melting 
fast; there was a strong wind blowing from the south 
which every minute became warmer. 

Henry lost all hopes. The iceberg which carried him 
was about fifty feet long and thirty feet wide, and was 
being whirled around every time it came in contact with 
the moving masses of ice. 

Heavy crashes were heard in all directions; the current 
brought the floating ice in contact with the iceberg 
upon which Henry was, with such force as to throw large 
pieces high in the air, and threatening to grind every- 
thing to pieces. 

For some time he kept floating in a southeasterly 
course, and all the time in sight of the vessel which was 
now under full sail and started on its way northward. 

Henry’s heart leaped with joy. They had not yet given 
up finding him and he kept a constant eye in that direc- 
tion in hopes that they might be brought closer together. 

But his joy was not to last long; his raft was suddenly 
whirled around with such force as to throw him down. 
When he gained his foothold again he found that he was 
now going in a different direction and with such speed 
that the vessel was soon nearly out of sight. He had evi- 
dently met one of those cross currents which are so com- 
mon in the polar seas, and he was being driven directly 
towards the heart of the north pole. 

Henry now gave up all hopes and felt as though he did 
not care how soon death came to end his misery. 

But after floating some distance he found his course 
changed again. This time he was being carried in the 
direction of some object in the distance, and appeared to 
him as an island with a mountain some distance from 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARTIC TRIP. 49 

shore: and as he drew nearer he found that he had 
guessed correctly. 

He was now thinking if he could only be landed on this 
lone island, but dared not hope, as he had been deceived 
by the change of the current, and feared that he could 
not get close to the island even though he would be car- 
ried in that direction. 

As he thus stood gazing around he noticed another cur- 
rent ahead of him going straight towards the island and 
into this his raft was sure to be drawn; but there was 
only a short distance from him a large iceberg coming 
directly towards him, and on this he discovered a bear 
scarcely able to move. He thought of the wounded bear 
of the evening before. 

As this large mass of ice was coming very rapidly it 
was evident that should they meet, the one he was on 
would be ground to pieces. 

Henry now made preparations for the critical moment; 
he would jump onto the large iceberg the minute they 
struck together, as he had yet a little hope of saving his 
life. Just as the two met lie gathered all his strength 
and landed alongside the now lifeless form of the bear. 

The iceberg swayed to and fro a moment and then con- 
tinued its course in the direction of the island; when he 
gained his balance, he looked back for his former raft, 
but could only see a lot of broken ice all around him. It 
had been completely demolished and had he remained 
there he would now been at the bottom of the sea. 

He was now nearing the island and when within a few 
hundred yards, he noticed the current leading around it, 
instead of straight for it, as it had at first. He now 


50 HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 

wished that he had the power to guide his raft. Right be- 
fore him was a small bay, and into this he would gladly 
have steered. 

But he was kept about 300 yards from shore and go- 
ing around the island, but with less speed. After some 
time had passed he began to wonder if he would continue 
to navigate around this new world until his raft would 
melt and he would still find a w r atery grave. But as he 
passed around a point he noticed some distance ahead 
that the ice had not broken from the shore, and his raft 
appeared to be heading that w ay. He now r thought if he 
could get on this sheet of ice he could walk ashore. But 
he must have the bear also. 

So he partly dragged and partly rolled the bear near the 
edge which he. thought would come closest to shore and 
thus stood prepared. He had not long to wait. The ice- 
berg touched and glided along very slowdy, rubbing its 
side against the projecting ice as though it was a vesse 
guided by human hands and laying to at some dock. 

He now gave the bear a. violent push; the creature 
dropped on the ice and seeing that it was quite solid 
Henry grabbed his gun and rushed ashore. 


On board the vessel, where the rest of the party had 
reached in safety, was great anxiety. The captain w r as 
almost crazy with grief. Having a cannon on board he 
gave orders to fire it every half hour during the night, and 
made preparations for to send a searching party out at 
daybreak the next morning; but as we have already 
learned this could not be done. The captain did not 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 


51 


sleep all night; and when he noticed the ice breaking and 
the warm wind blowing shortly after midnight he was in 
despair. But he ordered all hands to work and as soon as 
it was possible to move the vessel she was headed north- 
ward under full sail. Although they were in great danger 
he thought it was his duty to try and move as quick as 
possible in case the young mate was yet alive and per- 
haps could be found. 

They kept up the firing of the cannon all the time, and 
as Henry did not hear it, shows a strange condition! of 
the atmosphere in that region. 

CHAPTER VII. 

As Henry had been taught from childhood, to pray, and 
to give thanks to the Almighty God, he knelt down, on 
this unknown island and offered a prayer, thanking God 
for delivering him safe even on a lonely island, and sav- 
ing him from a watery grave. 

He felt as though it might be possible, yes he felt sure, 
that his companions would make a search for him, and he 
did not think the vessel could be very far from this is 
land. This gave him renewed hopes. 

A few rods from the shore was a high point and to this 
Henry, prepared to go, as he thought lie might sight the 
vessel if she had not got too far away. 

He loaded his two revolvers and his gun. fixed his belt 
so that his hatchet and hunting knife were in proper 
place, and then started forward, without securing any. 
thing from the bear to eat. Although his hunger was 
great, he was more eager to get sight of the vessel. 

When he arrived at the top, he looked around but 
could see nothing but the broken ice as it floated bv. He 


5*2 HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 

listened, but could hear only the noise of the rushing cur- 
rents. 

A lonely feeling crept over him, which he had not felt 
before. 

He was alone. 

O, is it possible? he cried. Is it possible? that my child- 
hood dreams has been fulfilled, that I am brought to live 
alone, as I once thought so grand, alone on an island ? 

Although there was nobody to hear him nor to give him 
an answer, he spoke aloud. 

He looked around as if to investigate it it was really so. 

O Father ! O Mother! My beloved Fanny! Are we 
separated forever? It cannot be. I am not alone. I 
cannot be alone— Oh ! Heavens, (> ! God. have mercy on 
me, I am alone. 

As he spoke these last words h^ started to run further 
back from the shore; as it was very much upgrade, and 
being very much fatigued with hunger, he soon became 
exhausted ; but he still moved slowly as he was determined 
to reach the top of what he thought was a mountain 
further inland. lie often stumbled as the ground here 
was very rough and several olaces was snow about a 
foot deep, soft and wet. 

After several attempts he succeeded in reaching the 
top; he could now view the country all around, but his 
first gaze fell upon the water; he stared out into the 
horizon for some sign of life, but all in vain, nothing was 
visible. He drew a deep sigh and commenced to investi 
gate the mountain. 

By close observation he came to the conclusion that he 
was on top of a volcano, but as he noticed, had not been 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 53 

burning for some time and showed no signs of tire or 
smoke anywhere. 

f He was in hopes that he was on some main land lead- 
ing to the American continent. But this he soon found 
was not the case; he was surrounded by water, his island 
being about 3 miles wide and 7 miles long, but nowhere 
could he see any sign of land, except some dark point 
was visible towards the west. 

Alone on an island in the polar sea. What shall I do ? 
What will become of me? 

He started down towards the shore again where he not- 
iced some pieces of timber, as his thoughts were now 
turned towards securing something with which to start a 
lire, not alone to keep him warm, but as he thought, to 
show his presence there. And as he passed down the side 
of the mountain he noticed several large pieces very simi- 
lar to that of coal. If this proved the case lie was now 
supplied with one necessary of life, that of fuel. 

After gathering a large quantity of wood and coal he 
made an attempt to kindle it, but this proved to be quite 
a task. The wood and coal were both damp from laying 
under the snow all winter. After having made several 
attempts but failed, he commenced to look around for 
something that would ignite easier. He noticed some 
moss in a sort of sheltered place, and after holding this 
in the sun for some time he concluded to try again. 
Laying the moss between the wood which he had split 
quite fine with his hatchet, and pouring a little powder 
over it, he tired his gun right into it. 

It started to spurt and spatter, and finally began to 
wind its way through the pile of wood and coal, and a few 


54 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

moments later a bright flame was seen rising in the air. 

He had now accomplished one task towards his preser- 
vation, and the next was food and shelter: both these he 
expected to lind in the dead bear. 

He now drew his knife, and getting the bear ashore and 
as near the lire as he possibly could, he began to take off 
the skin; and as soon as he got enough off so he could 
get at the meat, he cut off several slices, and fastening 
them to pointed sticks he laid them by the lire to roast, a 
way of cooking which he had learned in his travels in 
America. He then proceeded with the skinning. It was 
now growing dark and he had to finish his job by the light 
of the fire. 

He was now very hungry and weak. The meat being 
roasted, he had his supper of bear me it and a drink' from 
his bottle. 

He took the hide and spread it out before the fire 
partly drying it; then he wrapped himself up in it for the 
night, but first putting more coal on the fire, and placing 
his gun and hatchet close at hand. He took a pistol in 
his right hand while with the left he held the bearskin 
closely around him; and thus he prepared to spend his 
first night on a lonely island in the polar region near 7K 
degrees north latitude. 

The stars were shining bright, and the air was some- 
what colder, but lie felt quite comfortable in that respect’ 
with his heavy fur wrapper. 

Tired and weak as he was, his thoughts were too much ’ 
taken up to go to sleep. He sat watching the stars and 
thinking of his terrible situation, once or twice putting on 

fresh supply of fuel. 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP 


55 

As the night wore on he became more and more dozy, 
and in spite of his thoughts and fears of unknown 
dangers, his eyes closed and he fell asleep. 

What do you want, broke the stillness of the night, and 
as he spoke he awoke. He had fancied himself in the 
cabin of his vessel and someone calling him and pulling 
his sleeve. 

As he awoke he felt something pull at the bear skin 
from behind, he drew his pistol and lired, a howl and 
tramping of several feet was heard, as the animals made 
their retreat, and he judged by close observation that it 
was a pack of polar foxes. Reloading his pistol and put- 
ting more coal on the lire, he awaited the return of the 
animals, but the sound of a human voice together with 
the report of the pistol had evidently scaped them once 
for all, as they did not renew the attack. 

As it was now quite dark, and a bright fire would be 
visible a considerable distance out on the ocean, he con- 
cluded to build a larger and brighter one, he added more 
and more fuel till at last he was getting too hot, he got 
up and walked to and fro watching his lire and thinking 
if his comrades would only see the light. 

The atmosphere was getting clearer, and he listened 
and watched for some signal that would indicate that 
his fire was being seen. 

(treat was his surprise a few moments later, when be 
heard the rumbling sound as of a cannon; he listened 
again; yes, there it was a&jiin and agaiu, no mistake, it 
was the only piece of artillery on board the vessel; and 
it was being lired at intervals and about as fast as a man 
ould reload. This was kept up for about half an hour, 


5C> HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP, 
during which time Henry had used up all his fuel on 
hand, in the effort to raise thfc ilames high in the air. 

He tried to be cool but could not: he was growing 
more and more excited; when liis wood and coal was gone, 
he cutlarge pieces of fat from the bear and threw it 
onto the fire. 

After the firing of the cannon had ceased, he laid 
down once more to rest, as he was completely worn out. 

He fell asleep and did not awake ’till morning; it was 
cloudy and a heavy fog hung over the water so he could 
not see a half mile distant. 

A small piece of bear meat, left from the evening be- 
fore, answered for breakfast. 

His lire was nearly out and he set to work gathering 
more fuel. After about an hour’s work, he had sufficient 
to last till the next day. 

The fog was now commencing to clear away and it 
was once more clear; he could see quite a distance out on 
the ocean, but no ship was in sight. 

The stinging pain in his heart and the feeling that 
crept over him, no pen can describe. He had hoped for 
some rescue, but it seemed as though the fog had only 
come to lead his companions astray, and to keep his 
island hidden from their view. 

Wbat should he do? He a>ked himself this question over 
and over again. 

A gun lay loaded at his feet. Why not end Ins misery at 
once? How could be live her*-? His brain were workiug 
hard; he stared at bis gun till h»n eyes felt as though they 
would leave their places. He bit his lips, be cursed the day 
he was boru, he hated the world and all nations. 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 57 

Suddenly a thought dashed through his brain. Had he 
not in his childhood learned how Robinson Crusoe had 
stood the hardships? How he had learned to serve his Cre 
ator and bear the burden which had befallen him? 

Henry rallied; he determined to throw aside all thoughts 
of suicide, make the best of his situation, and perhaps he 
would some day be delivered from his prison; although he 
was at liberty to do as he pleased with everything on the 
island it was, however, not much better than a prison. In 
stead of being surrounded by prison walls, he was sur- 
rounded by the wide ocean which he was less capable of 
crossing than had it been a high. wall. 

He must now p-epare some place of shelter. But before 
doiug anything towards that, he concluded to investigate 
his Island; perhaps he could find a more suitable loca- 
tion than where he now was. 

So he went to work with renewvd hopes. He first roasted 
several slices of bear mea* and put in his hunting bag: then 
cut off wha*; was yet good, r >1 led it up in the skin of the 
bear, and piliag a lot of stones over it so as to prevent it 
being carried off by animals, he started out exploring his 
continent, as he afterwards called it. 

The place where he had come ashore was a small bay 
about 50 yards wide and 100 yards long. He noticed the 
water was very shallow and that at certain times there would 
be an abundance of fish come up, and he thought of some 
plan to catch them. 

He walked around the bay with the intention of follow- 
ing the shore arouad the island and leave the interior till 
some other day. 

After he had gone some distance he came to a stream of 


58 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 
clear water leading from the mountain to the sea; but being 
rather wide to jump over and too deep to wade, he started 
up stream to find some more convenient point to cross. But 
it continued about the same depth till he came to the foot 
of the mountain where it came rushing down over the rocks 
from a height of about 20 feet. Along the banks of this 
stream the grass was already coming forth and in several 
places he noticed sprouts of a certain vegetable something 
like lettuce. He was well pleased with his discovery as he 
won d n »t n9el to live on meat alone. 

The place where the stream came dowD was quite hard to 
ascend, but as he could not see any better place he made an 
attempt anl after some hard climbing he gained the top, 
where a beautiful sight met his eyes. 

There before him lay a level plain of about 30 acres, with 
a small lake nearly in the center, and green grass visible All 
around. 

It will need a little explanation here, in regard to the 
grass being visible so soon after the snow and ice had 
left, but in this region the snow lays so long that the grass 
and other vegetation has already started under the snow 
and the change from winter to summer so sudden that 
a few days makes a great change in the appearance. 

Henry's heart leaped with joy as he noticed on the 
other side of the lake several reindeer enjoying the taste 
of new grass. He was near enough to shoot one, had he 
seen fit; but lie was not in need of meat at present, and 
must also find some other method of procuring game, as 
he had only a few charges of powder and must save that 
in case of self-defence. 

Here is the place for a home thought he; a finer place 


59 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

could not be found. But, no. he must stay near the shore 
during summer as his fire would be liable to draw some 
ships attention. 

He wandered around for some time, planning to build 
a hut near shore for the summer, and should he be com- 
pelled to pass the winter, he would then arrange his 
dwelling near this plain. In passing around the lake 
he had already scared up several water fowls similar to 
the wild goose, but he did not shoot any of them either, 
as he had a plan whereby he could catch them without 
wasting powder. 

As it was now' nearing eveuing he started back to 
prepare himself for the night. He had noticed several 
large flat stones near where he had his fire, and of these 
he [would build a sort of shelter, for a few nights until 
he could build a hut. 

A few coals was yet left and after adding more fuel 
he soon had a bright fire. He then ate some of his 
meat, but did not take any rum. as he thought it bet- 
ter to save that in case of illness. 

lie then started to work, took one stone and tipped 
it over in order to get a better hold of it, but by so 
doing, a small opening became visible. This aroused his 
curiosity, and he removed a few more, and great was 
his surprise when he found the entrance to a cave. He 
stood motionless for a moment, these stones had been 
placed there by human hands He had not only found 
a place of shelter, but evidence that the island had been 
visited before. 

He fired a pistol shot into the opening and after the echo 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


60 

bad died away aad no sign of anything living appeared he 
entered. 

The cave was about 5 feet high, 7 feet long and 5 feet 
wide; the roof or ceiling was made by placing large whale- 
bone across from one si te to the other, and on tof> of these 
was a large flat stone. The floor was quite hard and dry, 
and he felt warm in h»s newly discovered home. Several 
useful articles lay scattered about. There was a dish made 
out of clay, a piece of a spear, some fish hooks made out of 
some kind of bone, a bow, two arrows, and a knife made 
from some walrus’ teeth. 

It was evident that some Indian or Esquimaux had made 
this his place of abode and would perhaps return, so there 
was still hope of Henry getting a chance to get to the main- 
land. 

He considered ail this as valuable to him, and thanked 
the Almighty Cod for his mercy and kindness. This 
saved him a great deal of labor, he could use this cave 
temporarily and would not need to prepare any other 
place unless he should be compelled to stay over winter, 
when he must have something different, in order not 
to be covered and blocked by snow. 

All his present time could now be occupied in procur- 
ing food, game was plenty, but with only six charges of 
powder and shot, the question was how to procure daily 
living. 

He had judged from the outlook in the bay, that there 
was fish, and he concluded to try the next day. 

A flat piece of wood about two feet wide lay against one 
side of the cave, undoubtedly to answer the purpose of a 
seat and also a bed, as it reached the full distance across 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIE. til 

the floor. On this he laid the bear-skin so that one part 
was under him and the other could be drawn over him 
should he become chilly. Thus he spent his first night 
of rest, and he slept several hours without any dis- 
turbance. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Henry now tried to bring back in his mind what he had 
read in his childhood, for if possible to iind as many ways 
doing certain work without the necessary means. 

He must prepare a place for winter large enough to 
store food for eight or nine months, he must procure this 
food, and also a supply of fuel. 

The plain he had found lay in shelter of the wind, but 
as there was no wood inland as far as he could see, only a 
few bushes, and no coal around the plain, it was evident 
that he would have to find some other place, as lie could 
not get wood or coal from the shore where he now was, 
on account of the high and almost perpendicular precipice 
between there and the plain. 

The place for storing his provisions must also be well 
constructed to keep wild animals from helping them- 
selves, and meat must be prepared so as to keep during 
the long winter months. All this required a great deal of 
labor, and he must begin at once. 

So he concluded to spend one day in searching for a 
suitable location. 

But first of all he must erect some sign or other to 
show that the island was inhabited; he thought of a plan 
if he only had a long pole. So he set to work; finding a 
piece of timber about 20 feet long and about 5 inches 
thick, he concluded to raise this on end, but it was 


62 HENllY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

too heavy for him to handle. One end was in the water 
and evidently some remains of a wrecked vessel; he cut 
some off with his little hatchet until it was reduced 
sufficient for him to raise it. He then dug a hole in the 
ground as deep as he could with the hatchet, and cutting 
off the bear's head he fastened it to the top end of the pole 
then stood it upright and piling a lot of stones around it 
’till it was perfectly solid. 

He now cut up all the eatable part of the bear; some he 
would roast by the fire and some he would hold in the 
smoke until it was well dried and smoked, and after 
wards storing it away in his underground cabin. 

He then melted the bear fat in the earthen dish, as he 
thought of some way to procure a lamp and use this fat 
in place of oil, as he must have some light for the three 
months continuous darkness, should he be compelled to 
spend them there. 

The day passed unnoticed with preparing meat, etc. 
so he must put off his expedition till the next day; buta3 
there was yet a couple hours of daylight he did not re- 
main idle. He went along the shore and gathered as 
much driftwood as possible. Several large pieces of plank 
were found; these he concluded to save, for in time he 
might prepare a boat. His eagerness for a boat was so 
great that he worked very hard and by dark he had quite 
a quantity piled up. He now returned to his fire, added 
more fuel, ate his supper and then entered the cave for 
the much needed rest. 

He awoke towards morning very much refreshed, and 
thinking it was daylight he crawled outside. It was still 
dark, but a light streak in the eastern horizon showed 


IIENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


63 

that day was dawning. So he fixed his lire, ate breakfast, 
and as the bearskin had become quite hard and dry he 
concluded to try an experiment. 

He rubbed some of the melted fat over it, then he 
scraped it with his knife until he had removed all the 
meat: then he rubbed some more fat over it, rolled it to- 
gether and laid it in one corner of his cave. Then he 
covered the opening with a few Hat. stones and started off 
on another expedition. 

He started towards the interior of the island at a point 
about half way between his liberty pole and the stream 
that came from the lake in the plain. 

After going a short distance he discovered some plants 
similar to those found before, lie tasted some and 
found them to be very valuable in case of sickness, and 
also very healthy for a person that lived chiefly on meat. 
A§ he had studied a great many varieties in his school 
days, he knew well the value of this plant. He picked 
some and put them in his hunting bag. 

But when he raised up again he felt like hiding in a 
moment. At a distance of about fifty yards was a large 
bear playing with two cubs, apparently some over a 
month old. Suddenly they stopped playing, jumped close 
to their mother’s side and sniffed the air. They had dis- 
covered Henry’s presence. 

He began slowly to retreat, although he knew if he did 
not rid himself of these they would become dangerous. 
His gun was loaded with bullet and he held it cocked 
ready for action. But he did not feel disposed to a battle 
on open field. 

The bear followed Henry, now and then stopping till the 
cubs could come up. and then again advancing, swinging 


(M HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

her head with the movement of a pendulum. 

Henry did not run. He knew that he would at once be 
overtaken, but retreated with Ins face towards his enemy 

and watching every moment. 

His idea was to lead the bear to some place where he 
could shoot her and then capture the cubs or kill them 
with his hatchet, as lie must save powder. 

After thus facing the bear for about twenty minutes 
and the distance between them growing less, Henry 
found himself at the edge of a small stream ot warm 
water. He thought he could smell sulphur and came to 
the conclusion that it was an outlet from the heart of the 
volcano. 

As the bear stood still for a few moments Henry took 
in the situation at a glance. About 30 yards from him 
was a high perpendicular rock with an opening about one 
and a half foot wide and live feet high, but betweeu this, 
and where he stood was a small pond or basin of water 
from where the little stream was the outlet. It was quite 
clear, but no sign of grass or vegetation near its banks. 

But he did not have much time for observation. He 
was startled by a howl that rent the air. The bear was 
coming forward very rapidly, evidently bent on securing 
a breakfast for her young, and in a few minutes she was 
at the edge of the pond, where she stopped and looked as 
though she wondered at the sudden disappearance of her 
prey. 

Henry had crossed the pond of water which was very 
shallow, but became warmer as lie neared the rock, and 
had entered the opening. The sulphuric stream which 
formed the pond below came through this opening in a 


65 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARTIC TRIP. 

crevice worn in the rock about six inches wide. A large 
room was visible inside, but the opening did not admit 
enough light to investigate and Henry had other atten- 
tions beside that of the cave. 

He stood watching the bear. She had dipped one paw 
into the water, and finding it warm had withdrawn it,and^ 
held it up to her nose, licked the water off afiff'tfreif' 
shook her head. The cubs bad by this time readied the 
pond. One of them jumped in and swam straight towards 
Henry, who very much surprised at the boldness raised 
his gun and fired. The cub gave a wild yell and turned 
over dead. Henry felt sorry that he had wasted a shot as 
he could nave killed it with his hatchet had it made any 
attempt to enter the opening. 

'flie old bear raised on its hind legs and looked around; 
whereupon she jumped into the water and dragged the 
the dead cub ashore. She began to examine the body 
and found the place where the bullet had entered; a terri- 
ble howl echoed among the mountains when she discov- 
ered the blood, and after a few attempts to get the cub to 
stand she picked it up and started back about 100 yards 
or more, followed by the other. 

She now laid it down, and leaving both of them, she re<- 
turned towards the rocks once more, but often turning 
back to look at the dead young one. 

As she repeatedly turned Henry had time to investi- 
gate his cave, after first preparing his pistols and reload- 
ing his gun. 

CHAPTER IX. 

The opening through which he had passed, widened to 


66 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

about five feet, and at the end of this was a room about ten 
by 15 feet and partly lighted from a small crack overhead 
In the center was a small pool of water which was very 
hot. The water came from a crack in tfie rock and a strong 
sulphuric vapor arose. The lioor and three sides was solid 
rock, the other side being more of a mixture of ground and 
small stout*. 

But Henry did not get any more time for his observa- 
tions; a wild howl was heard outside. He rushed to the 
opening aud saw the bear close to the pond; she stood on 
her hind legs and looked around; her eyes fell upon the 
opening in the rock; she had evidently discovered the place 
where her prey had disappeared. 

Henry raised his gun and fired; the bear gave a wild 
roaring howl, plunged into the water, and came straight 
towards the cave. As there was not time enough to reload 
before the bear would arrive, so he retreated further into 
the cave in the hope that the opening was too small for 
the bear to enter. This proved the case, as the bear ap- 
peared at the opening and made a jump towards Henry 
but fell back. She made several attempts, and while she 
was tugging and trying to get through, Henry had reloaded 
and fired again. The bear fell back apparently disgusted 
with the at(empt, and fatally wounded. She cr< ssed the 
pond, but going very slowly and now and then staggering 
from loss of blood; she walked to where her cub was and 
lay down and soon showed no sign of life. 

After Henry had reloaded his gun he walked out and 
followed, the cub walked around its mother several times, 
whining, smelling till at last it commenced licking one of 
the wounds. 

* 

Henry did not know what to do, if he let the cub live it 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 67 

would become dangerous when grown, ana he did not like 
to kill it, as he had no powder to waste, and it would not 
be right either to kill anything that did not attempt t5 
hurt him. 

So after watching the animal for awhile he concluded 
to leave it even though it wouid bring him some trouble 
later on. 

He then started back to the cave, in the rock, to inves- 
tigate if it would be possible to arrange here for winter. 

He was a little in doubt as to his safety, he was posi- 
tive now that he was at the foot of a volcano, but Tie also 
considered this place just as safe as any other on the 
island in case of an eruption. 

He was sure this would be a warm place, as the tem- 
perature of the water would help to heat the room. So 
he stepped into the opening once more, but with a feeling 
far different from the one with which he entered the first 
time. He looked around the room, the steam from the 
little pool of water raised and circulated around the room 
thus lilling it with sulphur which could not be endured 
very long, he thought of his planks that he had gathered 
at the shore, with these he could lay a floor and thus keep 
the vapor down. 

After having planned how to lay the floor, he thought 
of enlarging the cave, as it would not be large enough to 
store all his provisions which necessity would compel 
him to put up. 

He had also thought of procuring some animal alive 
and keep it for company, as he knew it would be dread- 
ful lonesome to be shut up eight or nine months without 
seeing a living thing, but if he could tame a deer, a bird, 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


68 

or a fox, he would have something to pass his time with 
and talk to even it could not answer. But for this he 
must also have a room as he could not keep it in the same 
place as he was. 

Here begins the Journal of our^young heroe’s life on 
the island as told by himself. 

As has already been mentioned, 'the one side of the 
cave consisted mostly of ground. I concluded to experi- 
ment here, if possible to find an inner room or at least 
to enlargen this one. So I set to work with my 
hatchet, (as this was my only spade), to dig out the 
earth. 

After working for an hour or more I felt quite hungry 
and walked outside for some fresh air and to eat some 
meat and a little of my lettuce. 

The young bear cub was still whinning around its 
dead mother, I walked over to where it was, drove it 
away by throwing stones at it, and drawing my knife 
I set to work skinning the bear, I then carried the skin 
to the pond for an experiment, my idea was to try if 
the warm sulphuric water would tan the skin, so I spread 
it out on the bottom and piled some stones over it to keep 
it from raising to the surface and from being carried 
away by some wild beast. 

Evening was now nearing and so I started on my way 
home, with the bear cub following at some distance and 
keeping up a continuous howling and whining. It 
sounded so pitiful that 1 could not stand it. I chased the 
animal back several times but it kept coming nearer 
I could not keep it back and did not like to waste powder* 
l picked up a piece of rock and waited till it came close 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC 1 TRIP. 


69 


enough to reach it, as I thought if I hit it once it would 
retreat; so when quite near I threw the stone, striking it 
on the head and sent it sprawling to the ground. As 1 
was afraid that 1 had not killed it but still injured it so 
much that it would have to suffer, I rushed up and fin- 
ished it with my hatchet. 

I now went to my fire, put on more fuel, entered my 
underground hut, pulled the stone over the entrance and 
then laid down. 

1 was planning how to arrange my work. The morn- 
ing and forenoon should be to gather fuel and provision. 
The afternoon to work at preparing my dwelling for 
winter. 

All at once it came into my mind that the next day was 
Sunday, and I concluded not to work, but to pass it as 
best I could as a day of rest. 

When I awoke the next morning I felt very tired; my 
arms were sore, evidently from hard labor the day before. 
I had almost forgotten that it w r as Sunday. 

As I had no Bible, I tried to think of some chapter 
which I had read in my childhood, and thus occupying 
my mind I wandered around on the island. 

□ After a few hours’ tramping I came to another stream; 
along its banks grew small bushes and an abundance of 
grass. A great deal of ashes was visible in different 
places. Since my first discovery tfiat human beings had 
been on the island I had thought of Indians or Esqui- 
maux having visited and perhaps dwelt here, but for 
some reason or other had left the island. 

This proved to be the case when 1 a few minutes later 
discovered four Esquimaux huts a short distance from 


70 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

this stream. Two of them were, however, fallen together 
so as to be of no use, while the other two were in fair 
shape, and in one I found several fox skins stored away 
which I concluded to take possession of. 

The sun was already getting low and I started back 
home. When 1 arrived the fire was nearly out, but with 
a little dry moss and small sticks I succeeded in starting 
it again. After eating my supper I sat down till it was 
quite late, reflecting upon my past and laying plans for 
my future. 

I then went to rest and slept soundly, when I was 
awakened by a wild howling over my head. I arose in a 
sitting position and listened. Breathing could be heard 
and scratching and biting at the stones that covered my 
entrance. The noise seemed too much to be that of a fox 
and the thought struck me that perhaps it was clie dead 
bear’s companion, who had come to avenge the death of 
his family. 

I concluded to take a peep; so I pushed one stone a 
little aside, and the fierce eyes of a large polar wolf met 
mine. lie was not alone, as I heard some more stirring 
about. 

My powder was too scarce to use on them, so I concluded 
to try another scheme. I tied a small piece of rope (which 
I had carried with me from the vessel), together so as to 
form a slip-noose; this I held over the opening and with 
my hatchet I pushed the largest stone aside. 

The wolf’s head popped through in a minute and I had 
him by the neck; he scrambled and snarled but I soon 
despatched him with ray hatchet, while the others seemed 
to be aware of the condition of their companion and soon 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 71 

•disappeared, although I would sooner* have treated them 
the same way. 

I barricaded my entrance once more and attempted to 
sleep, but the thought of my constant battle with wild 
animals kept me awake quite awhile; finally I dropped off 
into dreamland and awoke quite late but very much re- 
freshed. 

CHAPTER X. 

I crawled out of my hut, fixed my fire and had breakfast, 
and as a great part of the day was gone I concluded to put 
off hunting for that day and go to work enlarging my new 
cave. 

I soon reached the sulphur pond, and entering the cave 
I set to work digging with renewed strength. I had already 
thought of several ways by which I could make use of an 
inner cave, or if I could enlarger this one sufficient and 
then build a partition. 

I worked away for some time when to my great surprise 
the earth gave way ancl an opening large enough for me to 
pass through was visible, but the odor which followed, 
almost choked me and I was compelled to go outside for 
•fresh air. 

I went back to the hut at the shore, and making a torch 
out of grass and bear fat, I returned to examine my new 
discovery. 

I entered the cave and looked around. It was consid 
erably larger than the outer one; so large that it would 
be very useful for a wareroom. It was about HO feet long, 
15 feet wide and 20 feet high. 

The floor was of fiat rock, but very soft, but as I after- 


72 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

wards discovered hardened after it was exposed to the 
air. 

I was well pleased with my discovery. I had now 
found a place where 1 could store my provision, and 
must turn my attention to procuring it. as I knew the 
winter would come in about three months. 

I was very anxious to find out more about my island 
and also see what game and other provisions it afforded' 
So one day I took a more westerly course and came on 
the opposite side ot the mountain. Here I discovered 
what I had already concluded was the case. The mount- 
ain was a volcano; here was a large quantity of lava and 
other substances discharged from it’s crater. The fur- 
ther 1 advanced the more signs of an eruption. In some 
places it looked quite new and fresh, could not been 
longer ago than the past winter. 

I became very frightened and started homeward. 
When I arrived near the shore I discovered the waves 
were becoming very rough. Dark clouds were visi- 
ble on the western sky, and now came a rumbling like 
distant thundor. The ground shook and I remembered 
hearing of earthquakes. 1 laid my ear to the ground, 
very frightened indeed. The shocks came heavier and 
faster. I heard a great noise in the direction of the vol- 
cano and looking up I saw smoke and fire coming forth. 
A strong wind was blowing: the waves rose high, and it 
seemed as though they would swallow everything around 
them. There was now another shock. A cracking, sing- 
ing noise was heard and the volcano threw forth a great 
quantity of fire and smoke, and everything was quiet 
except the waves. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 73 

How long it took before the water was calm 1 do not 
know, as I went to sleep and slent a long time. 

When I awoke and crept out of my hut I noticed a 
short distance from me a large dock of birds. They were 
near the shore and seemed tired ; perhaps from dying a 
great distance. So 1 thought of rushing down upon them 
and perhaps capture some. After preparing myself with 
a stick in one hand and my hatchet in the other, I started 
on a dead run, and as they were not able to dy I succeeded 
in killing a great number which I afterward smoked 
and stored away in my wareroom. as I will hereafter call 
my inner cave. 

) must now prepare some way to close the entrance to 
my compartment, and this must be made solid or the 
wolves and other wild animals would break in any carry 
off my provisions. 

1 piled up a lot of stones in the opening as a temporary 
door until I could dnd material and time' to 'construct 
something more convenient and at the same time sub- 
stantial. 

As I was trying the bay for dsli the next day I discov- 
ered a quantity of whalebone near the shore. These I at 
once found valuable, as 1 could use them for different 
purposes, and it brought new hopes. These had evidently 
been left here by some whale hunters, and if they were in 
the habit of landing would they not do so again? 

But in a short time I made a new discovery which 
proved plainly that this place had been visited by civilized 
people before I set my foot there. I found an anchor: 
one of the kind that is usually used to anchor a large 
boat. Rut it became a question why these people had 


74 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 

left their anchor; perhaps overtaken or surprised by sav- 
ages, or perhaps signs of a volcanic eruption had scared 
them off without taking time to hoist their anchor. 

I was in a constant fear that I should meet the dead 
bear's companion; my hatchet, my knife and an unloaded 
gun were all I had to defend me with, so I set to work 
making a spear with a sharp point of a whalebone, a weapon 
which I thought might be useful. 

I then built a fence near the shore by driving stakes into 
the ground, one right elope to the other aDd about six feet 
above the ground. This enclosure I calculated would be 
my fort in case of an attack. I had left a small opening on 
one side through which I could pass, but Dot large enough 
for a bear to pass through, and thus enable me to defend 
myself without powder or bullet. 

Having thus completed my fort aod made a door for my 
winter dwelling out of whalebone and other material which 
I pronounced suitable, I continued to gather fuel and pro- 
vision. I secured a large quantity of fish which when 
smoked was excellent and would also keep well for a long 
time. 

I managed to break up some stone in the floor of my ware- 
-room, thus forming a basin wherein I could keep my oil; 
but the next was to procure the oil, and as I needed a 
arge quantity both for light and to help in making lire, I 
planned to catch some of the numerous oil producing 
specimens for which I new this region was noted. 

Having read about a sulphur, as attracting the attention 
lof the smaller kind of the whale family, I gathered as much 
as I could of a sulphuric substance, and wadiDg into the 
water some distance, I scattered a large quantity. I then 
went ashore and abided the result. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 7$ 

Later in the day when the tide was flowing- inward, I 
heard a Doise some distance out. and could see by the 
movement of the water that something was- coming tow- 
ards shore. I prepared myself with my spear and hatchet, 
the tide being quite high, a great many of different 
kinds came close to shore. I killed a couple and when the 
tide began to flow seaward I secured several more, some of 

them quite large. 

After frying out the oil and putting it into my oil well, I 
concluded that I bad enough of this product, and went on 
with fuel and provision. When I had a considerable 
quantity stored away I turned my attention towards build- 
ing a boat. 

According to my calculation I was between 75 and 78 de 
grees north latitude and about 85 longtitude, and conse- 
quently could not be very far from the mainland of North 
America and if I could reach that country there would 
be some means of returning to my beloved home. 

I then went to work with renewed vigor and formed my 
boat as best I could out of some boards and hides. I was 
not particular as to the looks but it must be strong and 
tight. So after ten days hard labor I had a boat, a couple 
of oars, a small mast and a sail. 

My plan was to take it apart, store it in the under- 
ground hut till next summer, and then as soon as the sea 
was free from ice, to start out. thinking that with the 
whole summer before me I should be able to reach my 
destination. To start now would be running chances of 
being overtaken by winter again, as a good part of the 
summer had now gone by. 

But I must first try my little vessel, to see if it was wa- 


76 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

ter tight and also if it would tloat level, so I hauled it 
down to the water’s e'dge and pushed it off, it floated well 
and did not lean to either side. I gave a cheer with de- 
light. But. ah! what is that out on the ocean. 

A fire ! 

I sank down almost in a swoon , and when I came too 
again, I stood up and watched the fire. 

It was not over 8 or 10 miles out and must either be 
that of a burning vessel or some French whalefishers frying 
out the oil on the deck, which was generally the custom. 

My heart beat faster and I can not describe the feeling 
that crept over me. My boat was ready, the water calm, 
the vessel appeared to be in the same place, a couple of 
hours would bring me to this ‘ Noah’s Ark”, which had 
so suddenly become visible. 

Why not start out and join them, induce them to turn 
towards England and in a short time I would embrace 
my father, mother, and the dear soul whose vision had so 
often appeared before me in my dreams, and calling with 
the same gentle tone, come Henry, come, come to my 
bosom where there is comfort, come to my fire place, 
away from the sad world with all its dangers. 

CHAPTER XI. 

I stepped into the boat, but can not recollect the time 
of day, when I started out on the wide waters of the po- 
lar sea. As there was no wind I took my oars and began 
to row with all my might, and by keeping my eye on the 
s mall fire which I had left burning on the island, I was 
able to keep a pretty straight course towards the vesse' 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


77 

once in a while turning around to see if it was changing 
position. 

After rowing for some time I discovered that the vessel 
was moving away from me, and I had now entered the 
numerous cross currents, so that my speed was greatly 
slackened, and I was also being carried some what out of 
my course. 

I continued to labor against the current, but as my 
boat was quite clumsy I made but little headway. A 
light breeze sprung up and I concluded to use my saq 
which increased my speed some, but to my sorrow the 
same breeze was also being utilized on board the vessel, 
one sail was being hoisted after an other and soon she 
was under full sail and going faster then I was coming. 

I did not curse or swear: but l could not keep up my 
courage. Still I tugged away at my oars; although my 
arms were aching and my head becoming dizzy I did not 
give up my task. 

All at once the vessel had changed its course and was 
coming in the direction of where I was. Had they seen 
me ? Had some man aloft discovered my boat through 
his spy-glass? I could not answer these questions. 

But I soon noticed that the vessel was following a boat 
or at least some dark object. I stopped rowing and cried 
out at the top of my voice, although I might have known 
that as the boat was scarcely visible they could not hear 
me, and after several attempts to burst my lungs I sat 
down and began to row again. 

My strength was giving out and I was both hungry and 
thirsty. 1 blamed myself for starting out without any 
refreshments of any kind, but so great was my anxiety 


78 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

that I had not thought of anything but to get to the 
vessel. 

1 now looked around again. The boat had disappeared 
and the vessel was changing its course again. It was ev- 
ident that a new whale had been harpooned and all hands 
were at work; the vessel was now nearly out of sight. 

Being exhausted from hunger and thirst my head began 
to ache, a feverish chill had overcome me and I sank 
down in the bottom of the boat, leaving it to the mercy of 
the waves. 

1 fell into a sort of trance. I thought I could see ves- 
sels all around me. IIow long 1 lay I do not know but a 
cool breeze swept over me. I came to and sat up. The 
wind had changed and I was being carried in the direc- 
tion of my island as 1 could see the tophf the mountain 
I was wishing myself back there; although it was lonely 
it was better than here in an open boat and nothing"to 
eat. 

No ship was in sight, but I was unable to increase the 
speed of the boat. Thus I sat for some time when the 
fever again took hold of me, and I was compelled to lie 
down. 

I lay on my back watching the stars which had now 
made their appearance. L must have fallen asleep, at least 
I felt as though I had slept, when I made another attempt 
to rise in a sitting position. I was now within a quarter 
of a mile of the island and could see the pole which I had 
raised. 

But 1 was being carried away instead of towards it. I 
had been driven into another current and was too weak 
to steer my boat from its course. The little bay and all 


IIENliV MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


79 


that had been visible was fast disappearing and I threw 
myself down again, as lost and .forlorn, not caring the 
least what became of me. 

People that live in comfortable homes and read stories 
of shipwrecks and burning vessels and how people are 
sometimes saved cannot imagine the feeling of a person 
alone on the wide ocean, where so many people are buried 
without a tombstone to mark their resting place. 

But I had now one hope, that death was soon at hand. 
How I had wished* I could rise up, hoist my s$il and steer 
to my native home; but now all had left me, I was only 
waiting for death to end all my suffering. 

Suddenly I noticed close by my side some branches 
hanging out almost over my boat. What was that? I 
gathered all my strength and got up on one elbow. I was 
near land and my boat still moving. 

I was being driven by the wind into the mouth of a 
small stream of clear water and I soon struck the shore. 
I managed to crawl out of my boat and onto the bank 
where 1 lay quite motionless. 

I felt almost dead as 1 lay there watching the clear 
water of the stream. I concluded to try to get some. I 
dipped some out into the palm of my hand and drank. It 
was cool and refreshing. Close by my side was a little 
bush with a few half-ripened berries on. I took these 
and after a while 1 felt a little better. I wished myself 
back to my home as I called my volcanic island. 

There 1 had a warm place to sleep, plenty of provision 
and fuel and here I had nothing. 

But I concluded to rest and eat berries until I got 
strength enough to return. So I crawled around picking 


80 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


such berries and plants as I thought lit to eat, and after 
three days I was able to walk around. 

Not having strength enough to undertake the voyage 
nor favorable wind either I thought I would look over 
my new continent. 

I found that this island was very low and deep.. I saw 
no sign of any wild animals with the exception of a rein 
deer, and no trees, only a bush here ana there among the 
tall grass. 

These was however a large quantity of birds. Some of 
them I killed with my oars. And I also found a good 
many eggs which were a great help to me. The last day 
1 discovered something similar to a rabbit, but the animal 
was too quick for me to get a good look at it. 

I concluded to visit this island again if I was to live in 
this region very long. 

On the morning of the tenth day the wind was fair, and 
after getting my birds and a number of eggs on board* I 
stepped into my little vessel, hoisted sail and started. 

The water was calm, the sky clear and the breeze bore 
me gently onward. After a few hours I could see the top 
of the mountain, which some days before had seemed so 
lonesome, but today was my destination. 

I had miscalculated a little on the direction in which 
my island lay, so I had to change my course a degree or 
so, as soon as it becafne visible. 

My heart leaped with joy when towards evening I 
could see my pole near the shore. I steered my little 
vessel into the bay and stepped ashore. 

But I had no sooner set my foot down when I discover 
ed something. I often wonder that my head didn't burst 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARTIC TRIP. 


81 


open that minute. I sank to the ground. There was 
the mark of a boat as it had struck the bank, and there 
was the track of sailors with rubber boots. 

I nearly wet mad; what a fool I was to think I could 
catch a vessel with my clumsy boat. I should have 
stayed here, then I could have gone home with them. So, 
while I had been absent, the help which I so long had 
looked for, had come and gone. 

I walked towards the placs where I had been accus 
tomed to build my fires; there was the bones of some 
animal which they had killed and roasted. I stirred up 
the ashes and found that they had but recently departed 
as there was a few hot coals yet. Had I only returned a 
day sooner; now they would go and report finding signs 
of human beings on the island, but unable to find who it 
was. They would undoubtedly think me killed by some 
wild beast and consequently would not come back and 
renew’ the search. 

I brought my cargo of birds and eggs ashore, fastened 
my boat, and after taking some refreshments I took the 
gun out of my underground hut. Although I had no 
powder, I felt as though I should carry my gun just the 
same. I started to look for more evidence as to who had 
been there, and to see if my stock of provision in the in- 
ner cave by the sulphur pond was untouched. The visi- 
tors might been Esquimaux and that they had stolen al 
my property. 

As I got a few rods away from where they had eaten 
their meal, tho tracks became invisible, it being mostly 
rocks for some distance. But I continued my course 
towards the cave. 


82 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


I stopped, my eyes became blinded, my knees shivered. 
Was I bewitched? Could I believe what I saw before 
me, or was I to be led again by some unknown spirit only 
to be mocked and fooled as I had been on my fatal trip 
after that imaginary vessel. 

With folded arms I stood staring, before me there was 
the mark of a foot, but only one foot, next to it was the 
mark of a round stick, then came the foot print again, 
and there another round hole. I had seen such many 
times before, but, how could it be possible, how came he 
here? still it was the mark of a man with a wooden leg. 

As I examined the tracks I became more and more 
convinced that I was acquainted with them. So he had 
been here with these men and of course gone away with 
them, and giving up all hopes, I drew a deep sigh and 
started on. 

I stopped again, there before me at a short distance 
was the form of a person, sitting on a stone and smoking 
his pipe. 

My heart beat faster then ever. Was that a man? yes, 
at least a human being dressed in furs from his cap to 
his shoe. I resolved to speak, be it friend or foe. I 
started forward but stumbled over a stone. 

He jumped up raised his gun as he spoke. 

Hello there! who are you? and where do you come 
from! 

I dropped my guns and held up both hands, there was 
my old companion with the wooden leg. 

I got up and ran towards him, then I fell fainting into 
his arms. 

When I came too again I whispered. Stop, Stop, is it 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 83 

you? yes, yes, master Henry, but what in the world has 
brought you to play Crusoe in this uncivilized part of the 
world. 

And what— what lias brought you here, 1 said. 

Oh. I don't know, Mr. Henry, but here I am, and here I 
intend to stay, at least for awhile, as we cannot get away 
so easy. But get up now and take courage. Ha! ha! 
this was a curious place, so it was. But tell me how you 
came here V 

I could not answer him. To hear a voice, and that of 
my old friend, on this lonely island, was too much of a 
surprise. I could scarcely believe my own ears. 

Talk, Stop, talk to me, I said. It sounds pleasant. I 
have not heard my own voice for a long time. 

Poor Henry, muttered he, as he wiped the tears from 
his eyes. 

So it is you, after all. Mr. Stop ? I asked. 

Myself, and no other; on deck, and ready to do my 
duty. 

Merciful God, I said, as I folded my hands. 

Arise, Mr. Maynard, said Stop in a pleasant voice. Tell 
me your adventures. I cannot understand. 

I got up, took my gun and we started back towards my 
underground hut. All my hopes of escape seemed to 
come back to me. I felt as though we could manage very 
well now. 

Sit down, my boy, said Stop, as he stirred up the coal 
and put on some wood. 

I gave a start and looked at him without saying a word. 
Everything seemed like a dream. I was afraid I would 
wake up and find him gone, and I left alone as usual. 

Don't stare at me so, said he, as I was examining his 


84 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

costume, which consisted of a heavy fur coat, cap and 
pantaloons of same material. In his belt he carried two 
pistols, a large hunting knife and a hatchet. Over his 
shoulder was a strap to which hung a large powder horn 
and shot bag. Ilis gun was double barreled and would 
carry either bullet or fine shot. 

Don't stare at me so Henry, he repeated, tell me all 
about your voyage, and w r e will afterwards lay plans for 
our escape from this blessed wilderness. 

I now felt quite myself and commenced to question 
him. 

When did you leave England, I asked? 

In April. 

How is my father ? 

In good health and spirit. 

And my dear mother? 

Down-hearted, but says you will return. 

God bless her ! And my cousin, my dear Fanny, how 
is she? 

Well, she looks rather pale since she don’t see you 
every day, but the roses will come back to her cheeks 
some day. 

Will we ever get home again Stop ? I asked doubtful. 

I should like to know the reason why we shouldn’t, I 
can’t see any hindrance; we may perhaps have to wait 
here a few days, answered the old man in his humoring 
way. 

W ell, in fact Stop, I can almost believe everything now. 
To have you here seems so strange that I believe most 
anything can happen. 

Sure. Mr. Henry— but when will I find out about your 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


85 


landing on this rough looking place? 

I commenced now to tell him of my voyage and my 
ride on the iceberg, etc. Went through all the details 
of my experience after landing on the island, and finally 
stopped at the time I met him. 

That was one of the strangest adventures— why it has 
been a real Robinson Crusoe. I believe all of that story 
now : it is no use to tell this old head that it didn’t 
happen. 

But my dear friend now tell me how you came here, 
said I. 

Well you see, Mr. Henry, when you was gone 1 com- 
menced to feel uneasy. Nothing suited me, I could no 
more smoke my pipe undisturbed. I commenced to chew 
very hard. Hold on old boy, says I to myself, this won’t 
do. Cheer up, what is the matter with these old bones. 
Ah! join the army. No, not now, 1 am too old. So I kept 
thinking what to do till I finally came to the point. 

Well, what was it Stop? 

Laziness, Henry , nothing but laziness. Home says I, 
is no place for me, I am on the wrong shore, hoist anchor 
turn out, my place is with Mr. Henry. So 1 concluded to 
hunt you up and help find the north pole. God bless you 
Stop, said I, as I wiped away the tears. 

Well how was I to go. continued Stop, this became a 
question, so I went down to the dock one day, there I 
met an old comrade; he had just been hired as captain on 
board a vessel chartered for these waters. I told him 
that I wanted to go along. 

What! said he, old man ain’t you afraid that your one 
leg is rather stiff for whale fishing? ha! ha! ha! 


86 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


Sure enough I have but one leg, but I can steer, or I can 
be boss even without legs. I can take a pleasure trip 
without either arms or legs, can’t I ? 

Oh! I see, you are going for past time are you, well all 
right, bring your baggage on board to morrow, you can 
pay one shilling per day for board, but you will get no 
rum, I don’t keep it there, I never drink any myself and 
don’t allow my men to drink it either while on board. 

He must have been a nice man, said I. 

So he was, very good natured, did not care for luxuries 
but always full of fun, never spent much, had money in 
the bank. 

Well we sailed northward, and I kept a lookout for the 
•‘Fanny.” I had been in these waters before and knew as 
much as the captain did. Two months ago we met the 
“Fanny” homeward bound, with the sad news. I can not 
describe my feeling when I heard of it. 

They said they had looked for you but failed to rind 
you and had given you up for dead. They wanted me to 
go back with them, but I refused. I could not face your 
father and mother without bringing you or try to bring 
you. So we continued our course. We * ere having good 
luck in catching whales, and follow ed one quite close here, 
One of the men saw your pole with the bear’s head. We 
pulled ashore and found that you or someone had been 
here, but had left. They would not stay any longer, but 
1 wmuld. I told them to come after me when they went 
home, or come again next summer. They said 1 was crazy, 
but I did not care. So I got my baggage, ammunition 
and some fish-hooks, and here I am. thank God, now that 
I have found you, Henry. 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP 87 

How can I ever repay you, Stop. I answered, when lie 
had finished. 

By keeping up your courage, Mr. Henry. We will get 
home again some time, and he got up to fix the fire. 

I was so well pleased to have a companion, and espe- 
cially Old Stop, that 1 cried with joy. He had with him 
some crackers, tea and sugar, something which I often 
had longed for. He also had plenty of ammunition, 
which would make it easier to proem e game for the win- 
ter, as our supply must now be doubled. 

What do you think of my cave, Stop? I asked a few 
days later as he was smoking his pipe, and I was cleaning 
some fish, which we had just caught. 

I. think it is all right. 

Do you believe we can winter there ? 

Why not? 

The odor from the sulphur is quite strong; and thenll 
explained to him my plan of laying a floor. 

A good idea, Mr. Henry, a plan derived from playing 
Robinson Crusoe. Y ou see we have learned something 
therefrom. 

That is so Stop, although I never thought of any such 
thing. 

One can never tell what may happen. Mr. Henry. Who 
knows, perhaps we'll meet with Esquimaux with sleds and 
dogs; we jump into the sled and away we go, ha ! ha ! ha 

I am afraid the volcano has chased them away; they 
have been here before. 

And they will come again; this island is full of game; 
these fellows know it, and will surely return. 

I hope so, I answered, thoughtfully. 


88 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

So do I, but let us hunt today, a reindeer or two will 
add considerable to our stock of provision. 

With pleasure; I don’t see them very often, but over in 
the valley I caught sight of two old ones and two fawns. 

We will shoot the old ones, and catch the young, said 
Stop smiling. 

So we started towards the small lake and plain already 
described. When we got to the rocks which we had to 
climb, Stop cried out, hello Mr. Henry, how will I get up 
there ? 

Easy enough, I answered, as I began the ascent. When 
I got to the top I threw my rope down to Stop and 
pulled him up after me. 

W T e now passed around the edge of the underbrush 
towards the south, where we expected to find some in the 
•shade. We had not gone far when we noticed, as I 
thought, the same as I had seen the day before: there 
were four, two old ones and two fawns. 

They raised there heads and sniffing the air as though 
they had discovered an enemy, they began to stir. 

Fire, whispered Stop. Y ou take the one to the left, 
and quick now. 

The last word had scarcely {left his lips, when the re- 
port of our guns rang out over the plain, and echoed 
back from the mountain. The two old ones fell dead and 
the young pair stood as nailed to the spot. 

Well done Mr. Henry, shouted Stop; now for a chase 
and catch those two alive. No, wait, give me your rope. 

What are you going to do now, 1 asked, as I handed 
him my rope which he tied to his and formed a slip-noose 
at one end. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


89 


Try to lasso them, they are close together, and if I 
can get a little nearer it will be the easiest way. If we 
can catch these lambs it will be company for us this win- 
ter and perhaps a few good meals in spring when our pro- 
visions are all gone. 

But I don't see how you will accomplish it. 

Wait, said he, and you will see how they catch wild 
horses in South America. And he started along while 
I sat down to watch the result. 

The two stood with heads erect watching Stop 
as he came hobbling along, but neither of them made 
any signs to move. 

He would now and then make a sound, which he after- 
wards explained was the sound of the mother-deer, and 
when he was close enough he threw the rope with aston- 
ishing accurancy, and the two deer came down in a heap l 

Come quick Henry ! he shouted as he moved along as 
fast as his wooden leg would allow it. I ran to his 
assistance and we tied the two together, so that they 
could walk freely but still not get away. 

Then we tied them to a small tree near by, while we 
proceeded to skin the two old ones and to cut up the 
meat. 

What shall we do with those two, they will not eat and 
we have no milk. 

We will tedder them where there is grass, during the 
day, and put them in the inner cave over night, which 
will also serve as stable this winter. 

Yes, we can do that, and we must cut some hay to feed 
them over winter. 

We managed to get the two young deer down near our 


90 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 


hut, and also the meat of the two old ones, which we dried 
or smoked. Stop was sitting on a stone, slicing the meat, 
when his eyes fell on a small skin bag, he picked it up and 
asked me what it was. 

Powdered coal and sulphur, I said. It will be remem- 
bered that I had used this at first to draw the smaller 
specimens of whale, etc., near the share. I had tied a 
piece of skin together so as to form a sort of bag to put 
the sulphur in, and this was what Stop had just found. 

I explained my experiment and he laughed at the 
notion. 

Who would ever have thought of coal and sulphur for 
bait in a civilized country ? Strange what a person will 
try; queer notion; ha, ha, he, he, ho, ho, and the old mao 
laughed 'till he shook all over. 

Hod save us, I shouted, as I made a jump towards 
where the guns were, but slipped and fell, spraining my 
ankle so that 1 could not move. 

Why, what’s the matter, what’s up? asked Stop as he 
came and tried to help me up. 

A bear! A bear! I answered as 1 pointed in the direc- 
tion where 1 had seen it. 

Well what then? keep cool, I will see to him in ag 
minute, guess I am good for one even though it is a bi 
one, get up. 

He helped me up in sitting posture, but 1 was no good 
in the battle which I knew was before us. The bear, a 
monstrous male, was coming towards us at about 200 
yards distance. 

Stop picked up the little bag of sulphur, took his gun, 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 91 

felt ‘for his hatchet and hunting knife, and then started 
towards the shore. 

1 was afraid that Stop would not be able to handle him, 
his wooden leg making it more unconvenient to move, and 
also being quite old. I could not guess at first why he had 
left me, but I soon discoveied his motive, he wanted to 
draw the bear’s attention from me, and also get on the 
other side of my fence which I have already described. 

He soon reached the enclosure and hanging the sulpher 
bag on a stake right inside of the opening, he remained 
outside with his gun ready for action. 

The bear w T as coming slowly, head erect, and when 
nearing the old man he raised up on his hind legs, looked 
around, and then with a growl started towards Stop with 
more haste as though he was afraid to lose his prey. 

Fire, I shouted as I was getting very anxious for my 
old friend, and not in a position to help him. 

Be still, he answered, and shook his fist at me. 

The bear stood upright again as if to ascertain where 
my voice came from, when Stock took aim and fired. A 
howl rent the air and the beast plunged forward, scarcely 
giving Stop time to crawl through the small opening* 
Stop emptied the other barrel, but still the furious beast 
rushed against the stakes as if to run them down, but 
fortunately 1 had driven them pretty deep. 

The monster tried to get through the opening, but it 
proved to small. He had no sooner stuck his head 
through when I saw Stop deal him a blow with his 
hatchet, and at the same time throwing sulphur in his 
face. 

The wounded bear was raging fearfully. He would 


92 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

bury his teeth in the stakes and tear out large pieces of 
wood. Every time he would come within reach of the 
hatchet he would receive another wound, but it being 
very light, the effects were only to make him more en- 
raged. 

Finally Stop withdrew from the opening and I could 
hear he was loading his gun. 

T was becoming more and more alarmed for my friend. 
I could not get up near enough so as to shoot, and even if I 
had, I was afraid that 1 would miss the bear and perhaps 
•hit the old man. 

The brute was tearing away at the fence and making 
every effort possible to get at his opponent. Meanwhile 
Stop had succeeded in reloading his gun. A report, 
mingled with the roar of the bear, echoed far back among 
the mountains, and when the smoke cleared away L saw 
the bear had gained the other side where Mr. Stop was 
hopping around dealing blow after blow with his hatchet 
and throwing handsfull of sulphur into the bear's face. 
The furious beast made several attacks, but it was evi- 
dent that he was weakening from loss of blood. 

When he received the last shot he had made one plunge 
at the opening, and tearing down several stakes had thus 
gained admittance. 

Gathering all my strength and nerve I commenced to 
crawl toward the field of battle. Although my pain was 
great, my anxiety for the brave old man was greater. I 
had two loaded pistols in my belt, if I could only get close 
enough to either use them myself or throw them to 
Stop. 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 93 

The pain from my sprained ankle was sickening, but I 
continued forward. Rut. oh! to my horror, the bear made 
one more effort. Roth went down, and as it seemed to 
me, the bear was on top. I shut my eyes for a moment. 
My heart ached. Was I alone once more? Had this 
monster put off his visit until 1 had received a companion 
and then come to kill him ? I cannot describe all the 
thoughts that flew through my mind, but when I opened 
my eyes again everything was quiet. 

I could see both laying on the ground side by side. 
Neither of them stirred. It was evident that the bear 
was dead, but was my friend dead also ? 

I broke down. I scarcely had strength enough to move. 
1 w r as wishing myself dead, as I had done on several oc- 
casions before. What should I do all alone, now that I 
had enjoyed the pleasure of a companion ? 

IIow long I crawled before 1 got there I do not know, 
but when I came close enough so that he could hear my 
voice I called out. Stop! Stop! My dear friend. Hello 
there don’t act so scared boss. I am only resting myself. 
I done him up, though he is the largest I have ever seen, 
and as he spoke lie raised up in a sitting position. 

Are you really unhurt Stop? I asked. 

No bones broken, thank God. He had me foul at last, 
but I reached for my knife as we fell and before he could 
choke me his heart was pierced, and he soon released his 
hold. He was getting weak and my knife was 
long and sharp. Never saw such a brute. Tried 
to hug me, but the sulphur was a great thing to 
blind him with and then shift my position. I hope there 
is no more like this on your great continent. Was a 


94 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP, 
warm job. Mr. Henry. 

I could not answer. I was crying, partly from fear that 
he was hurt but would not tell me, and partly from joy 
for having him yet alive. But I was soon satisfied when 
he got up and went down to the water’s edge to wash. 

After he had all the blood washed off (which luckily 
had all come from the bear), lie came back to me and 
said: 

Let us go to the hut and get something to eat. I 
feel quite weak and hungry. 

But I cannot walk, I said, pointing to my sprained 
ankle. 

But I can help you, he answered. Now lean on this 
stick and on my shoulder. 

Taking the stick which he gave me in one hand, and 
putting the other one on his shoulder, I managed to get 
back to the hut, into which we both crawled; and after 
finishing our meal we both lay down. 

I slept about six hours, when I awoke and found Stop 
gone. I called him but received no answer. I lay still 
and listened. I soon heard him outside, and presently he 
appeared in the hut. He brought me some vegetables to 
eat, and also some leaves which he laid around my ankle 
and then put on a bandage. He told me that he had put 
the two young deer in the inner cave and had given them 
some grass which he had pulled, so now we could take a 
good long rest. 

After he had been quiet for some time, during which 1 
thought he had been asleep, he broke the silence. 

Say, boss? 

Well, what^isjit? 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


95 


It has been a terrible day. Should we not pray to God? 

I have already thanked God from the bottom of my 
heart. But if you wish I will repeat it together with you. 

But, you see, I never learned a prayer, said he slowly. 

What! can that be possible? 

No, I have not. I never knew father, mother, or any 
other friends in my childhood. The first I can remember 
was in Portsmouth, where L was doing little odd jobs, 
such as errand boy, etc. I was once put in jail for beg- 
ging. and as soon as I was able I went to sea, and kept 
that up until I lost my leg. when your father took pity on 
me. But I am getting old and ought to know a little 
about those things, had I not, Henry ? 

Here was a job for me. At home 1 had never asked 
him about such. I knew he had no education, but 
thought, anyway, he knew how to pray. 

Shall I teach you ? I asked. 

If you please, Mr. Henry, I feel in need of it. 

So I taught him the prayer which Christ taught his dis- 
ciples. and after saying it several times after me lie could 
almost say it alone. We talked for some time about va- 
rious points in the Bible, and I found that although he 
could not read it he had picked up certain ideas from 
what he had heard. Finally he became quiet, and think- 
ing he had dropped off to sleep I said no more. 

Say. boss ? he said suddenly. 

What is it, Stop ? I asked quite startled, as I had al- 
ready commenced to doze off in a slumber. 

It is about these reindeer. 

Well, what? 

Don’t they draw sleds ? 


96 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

Y^es, I answered, wondering what he meant. 

Then we will use them as the means of our escape. I 
see no reason why we should not reach the more civilized 
part of the world. We will feed them and when they are 
large enough we will make a sled and harness, then break 
them in the same as a pair of colts. This plan will work, 
I know it will. 

I believe it Stop, a very good idea, we must take real 
good care ot them that they may grow fast. 

Y ou bet we will, and if we don’t eat dinner at home 
next Christmas my name is no more Stop. 

May God help that to be true, I answered. 

Good night Henry. 

Good night Stop. 

And with the bright hope of escape before us we both 
fell into a long sleep. 

I did not awake until the old man had been up and pre- 
pared our breakfast. I arose and found my ankle some- 
what better but not able to rest on the foot. But after 
a counie days 1 was again about helping to gather fuel 
for the winter which was now nearing. 

CHAPTER XII. 

We had now lixed’up the cave as comfortable as possi- 
ble, and moved all of any value from the hut near the 
shore. The inner cave we had devided in two rooms, one 
for our provision and one for our team, who as Stop said, 
was to draw us out of this forsaken place. 

The birds began to fly southward, a sign that made our 
hearts sink. We felt that these poor creatures could go 
where it was warm and plenty to eat, while we muse stay 
and spend the winter in a cave and not knowing if we 


HENRY .MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


97 


would see the next summer or not. The snow began to 
fall, the water became covered with ice, and the winter 
came rapidly over us. 

We were, however, pretty well prepared, having enlarged 
the entrance to the cave near the top, we barricaded the 
lower part of the opening so that we must go up a short 
ladder to gain an entrance, this ladder we would pull up 
after us when w r e went in thus leaving no way for any 
wild animals to attack us. The opening through which 
we passed was only about two feet square, for this we 
had made a door out of boards found at the shore. 

We had also made a small hole at the top of the cave 
for the smoke to pass out. By taking a dry bear skin and 
placing it right over our fire place, leaving it wide at the 
bottom and tapering towards the hole, we thus formed a 
chimney. 

We were not in need of any large fire as the heat from 
the sulphur stream under the fioor helped to keep the 
cave warm. We also left a small hole in the floor right 
over the stream. Here we would place the earthen dish 
which I found in the underground hut, and in this we 
would melt snow for drinking, and also cook some of our 
food, the water being very hot. 

Don’t look so sad and downhearted boss, said Stop, we 
will not bury our bones here. We will not, like Robinson 
Crusoe live thirty years on this lonely island. N o sir. We 
will get home; if not this winter, then next summer. 

I hope so Stop. You have great courage and I ought 
not to complain, inasmuch as I have a companion. But 
it seems very hard to think of being shut up here so 
many months. 


98 


HENliY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


I expect though to have a few trips on the hard snow 
for exercise, and perhaps an encounter with a bear or a 
wolf. 

I should think you had enough bear-fights, I said, 
laughing. 

You think so, eh! Let them come. Barricaded as we 
are here I am not afraid of the largest. 

We were already beginning to fear that our supply of 
hay for the two reindeer would not be sufficient for them,' 
although we had gathered as much as possible. 

They were now very tame and when we would talk of 
about killing one so as to better keep the other, Stop 
wonld look at them and say, I can’t do it boss. They look 
at me as if to say, old man, you have taken me and you 
must keep me. So we will have to let them live as long 
as possible. 

With pleasure, as far as I am concerned, I answered. 

Our decision in this line was often rewarded afterward, 
as we found great pleasure and pastime with them dur- 
ing the long winter. 

We were now within 5 or 6 weeks of the time when 
continuous darkness would begin and last for three 
months. .It was getting very cold and much snow had 
fallen which almost covered the opening where the 
smoke was to find its way out. AVe therefore made it a 
daily practice to shovel the snow away every morning 
and raise a pole as a guide for the smoke to raise into 
the air. 

We divided the day as follows: The morning and fore- 
noon to prepare our meals and take a trip out on the 
snow for fresh air. Then we would eat dinner and after 


HENRY MAY r NARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 99 

finishing this meal, we would go to our work, that of 
making a boat. 

We had concluded that if we did not get away on the 
ice (which was not very possible as the reindeer were 
growing very slowly), we would go when summer came; 
but as we were now tw r o and must take considerable 
provision, the boat I had built was too small, consequent- 
ly we must build a new one. 

This was a task which required a great deal of labor, 
as our material was poor and our tools were only a 
hatchet and a large knife each and a small saw blade in 
the handle of Stop’s knife. 

But we were in earnest and worked five or six hours 
every day. It would be too tiresome for the reader if I 
should describe every day as it passed; there was not 
much change until some time in January; Stop remem- 
bered having something in the bottom of his trunk which 
he had not before thought of. 

He pulled out a package wrapped in paper. 

What is it? I asked. 

Open it and see, he said. 

I took the package and found it to be the Bible. No 
more lonely evenings now. We had been accustomed to 
read in a few scraps of newspaper. Although we knew 
every word by heart, Stop being full of jokes would light 
his pipe after supper and then ask. 

Any mail today, boss ? 

I would answer yes and hand him a piece of the paper* 

You better read us the latest news he would say and 
hand me back the paper; whereupon I would commence 
and read the items over as though it was the news of the 
day. 


100 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

But now we had the Bible, I would read about an hour 
and then we would talk about what we had read until 
bedtime. 

The second day of February showed the ilrst sign of the 
blessed sun, after being gone 81 days. We went out to 
enjoy the sight. But the air was so cold that we could 
not stand to be out over 10 minutes at a time. 

During this month, Stop was taken very sick. He com- 
plained of pain in his amputated leg and talked at times 
so bewildered that I was getting very frightened. I cared 
for him with motherly care, and as he had a strong consti- 
tution he finally began to get better, and after some time 
was completely cured, and as strong as ever. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The time passed without any particular change, until 
the month of May. when we experienced something 
which will bear a definite description. The weather was 
getting more pleasant and we would venture some dis- 
tance from our cave, keeping a sharp lookout for any 
wild animals that might have ventured out also. 

I think it was the fifth of May when Stop started out to 
see if any signs of vegetation had appeared on the south 
side of the mountain, thus enabling us to make calcula- 
tions as to the length of time before the snow w r ould 
leave. I did not feel very w r ell that morning so did 
not accompany him. But after a couple of hours I 
started out to join him. 

There was no wind and the snow had softened some, 
making it hard for Stop with his wooden leg. 

He hart not got very far, and I soon discovered him 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 101 

hopping along now and then pulling and tugging to get 
his leg out when it sunk into the snow. 

I looked around, and as I glanced towards the shore 
where our underground hut was I saw something. I 
rubbed my eyes and looked again. Stop was too far away 
to call him, so 1 motioned for him to come to me. At the 
same time I started running towards him. 

What is the matter, boss? he asked, when we met. 

See ! 

lie looked in the direction I pointed and was almost 
as surprised as I. 

What is that? I asked in a low whisper. 

Smoke, he answered slowly. 

Where there is smoke, must also be fire I said. 

To be sure. Let us be careful; who knows what it is. 

It is surely people of some kind I answered in a low 
tone. 

I believe it, but God knows what kind. 

Natives of course, who else? 

Then they are dangerous, 1 do not know these people, 
said Stop. 

Not very dangerous. If they are of a friendly tribe 
they will be our rescuers. 

But how did they get here? 

In sleds drawn by clogs I answered. 

Let us in the name of Heaven get there and see who 
it is. 

Come then, I said. Being well armed we started in the 
direction of the smoke. I had only one thought, that of 
escape by the help of these savages. 

We had soon passed around the rocky height which lay 


102 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 


between us and the shore, and we saw about a dozen Es- 
quimaux crouching around a small fire in front of a 
snowhut which had been hurriedly built. 

A few minutes later they divided into three parties, one 
coming in direction of us, the second going the opposite 
way, and the third consisting of a couple women, re- 
mained at the hut. 

Come boss, said Stop hurriedly, this is no place for us. 
These fellows will be down on us in a minute if they 
see us. 

We then withdrew, unnoticed by these small crippied- 
lookiug creatures, who had chosen the arctic region for 
their homes. 

What shall we now do ? I asked. 

Hm, hm, boss; I dunno. I have different plans in my 
head. 

I am ready to listen to what you have to say. Stop, but 
waste no time, we must not let our chance slip by, per- 
haps we will never get another. 

Nonsense Henry, 1 intend to get away without accom- 
panying those dwarfs, but if we can get any information 
as to the direction etc., I would listen to them. But here 
is a dry stone near the stream that comes from our cave, 
let us sit down and hold a mass meeting. So saying the 
old man sat down and proceeded to light his pipe without 
saying anything further. 

The place where we stopped was free from snow. The 
heat from the sulpuric stream having melted it several 
feet away. We were here hidden by a large rock, so that 
nobody could see us unless they came close, at the sa me 
time we commanded a good view for several rods. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 103 

After a few minutes had elapsed ana Stop was still 
smoking his' pipe in silence, 1 could not keep still any 
longer. I was too anxious to get away from this miserable 
place. 

Well Stop what shall we do? 1 questioned. 

Say boss, are you prepared for battle ? he asked as he 
pointed towards the Esxquimaux. 

If necessary, but only when absolutely, necessary. 

Very well, you know that we with our powder and bul- 
lets can do away with them shortly. 

But why should we do that? 

I did not say we should do it, I was only making a pro- 
position say for instant we killed them all, they must have 
come here on sleds. 

Certainly they did. 

Well we kill all of them and catch the dogs. 

What then ? 

We will follow our nose right out across the ocean, and 
be home in quick order. 

We must not do that Stop, to kill them is out of the 
question, we are not blood thirsty, and we do not know 
how to drive the dogs, neither do we know the right di- 
rection to keep us out of danger. 

Well, then we must gain their friendship. We must in 
some way show them our power with the guns, and get 
them to take us to some trading point on the mainland. 

Just my idea Stop. But how are we to carry it out? 

1 propose that we take the women prisoner. 

That would not be very friendly, I said, smiling at the 
old man’s idea of catching. Esquimaux women. 

No, but you see boss, if we got a couple of women or 


104 


HENRY MAYNARD S ARCTIC TRIP. 


girls and then made them understand that they would 
not be harmed and would be returned if they would bring 
us to some ship. We could make them a present of the 
two deer, together with some other articles. 

Your plan is good Stop, we must carry this out to 
perfection. 

Alright Henry, if you are satisfied we will— down ! 
down ! he added as he threw himself back of the stone 
upon which we had been sitting and drew me down also. 

What is it? I asked in a low whisper. f 

1 don't know yet, but it is one of these Esquimaux 
creatures. 

Lay still then I said, it may be a God send servant to 
relieve us from our prison. 

See here boss, you are young and nimble yet. Every- 
thing depends on you. The person is not armed as near 
as 1 can ascertain; is following our tracks; must he an 
inquisitive woman. When she gets right opposite us, you 
must jump up and catch her, then. every thing is O. K. 

I nodded to him and laid down my gun, fixed my 
hatchet and waited. 

Sh, Sh, said Stop as the person drew nearer. We could 
now hear footsteps on the snow. The person was a 
woman but not an Esquimaux, and as near as I could 
tell she belonged to one of the Indian tribes below Hud- 
son bay, but would go hunting as far north as Great Bear 
Lake. 

I cannot describe my feelings. It my judgment was 
correct, she must be a prisoner and would then be our 
friend. Furthermore if she belonged to any of the tribes 
I have mentioned, she would undoubtedly understand 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 105 

eome English, as there were English trading posts along 
Hudson Bay. 

She was very young and fair of face, considering the 
class of people she belonged to. She was warmly clad in 
buckskin and furs. 

She looked around very carefully, and a smile played 
on her lips when she noticed the smoke from our cave, 
and signs of someone living there. She then turned to 
look back, evidently to ascertain whether she was being 
followed or not, whereupon she came directly tow- 
ards the cave. 

With the quickness of a tiger I was by her side. 

Ugh! was her only remark. 

Make no noise, I whispered. I felt sure she would 
understand. 

I have never heard a more pleasant voice as she began 
to laugh lightly, and her eyes beaming wi,th Coy. 

Do you understand me, I said, and know that we are 
friends. 

Good paleface— Englishman, she answered in a mild 
but proud tone. 

In the name of all that is holy, I said, turning to Stop, 
let us go inside. This girl is a Chippewa. 

Yes— paleface -young— old man — know Indian girl— 
Chippewa. 

Well, said Stop, shaking his head as he picked up his 
gun and followed us, this is the strangest I have ever 
seen. 

And he hopped along on his wooden leg, to the great 
surprise of the girl who had evidently never seen the like. 
Meanwhile I had let go of the girl and was walking by 


106 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


her side. My heart beat with joy. I could scarcely keep 
the tears back. 

We went into the cave and, lighting our lamp, bade her 
take a seat; while I brought her something to drink, and 
made preparations to boil some venison. 

But she shook her head and jumped up. 

What do you mean? asked Stop. • 

Are you not hungry ? I said. 

Yes; Indian squaw hungry — no like Esquimaux food— 
ugh!— dirty; glad to see clean venison — but Squaw Wah- 
panosh wait on you; warrior eat first. 

Rather queer people these Indians, said Stop, laughing; 
and the Esquimaux must be more so. No wonder she 
don’t like their food. I have heard that they eat the meat 
of the seal and drink the oil of the whale. But how did 
she know this meat was venison ? 

They have a fine scent, I answered, as I watched her 
preparing the food. 

They must have— but say, boss, we are quite a family 
now, ain’t we? ha, ha, ha. 

What are yon laughing about, Stop? 

I was just thinking what a grand time we will have 
when we get home. 

But we are not home yet, I said gravely. 

No, we are not. There is some miles of salt water, and 
a few miles of land to cross; several months will pass, 
but it is as well as done now. 

I hope so— but let us talk to the girl, I said, as she gave 
us some well prepared meat and then sat down to partake 
of it herself. 

How long have you been prisoner? I asked. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


107 


One— two summers— one— two winters. 

Where did you come from ? 

My tribe lives at Saskatchawan, she answered. Was 
once hunting by Great Rear lake — met Esquimaux — my 
warriors brave fight — hate Esquimaux— take heap scalp 
—Esquimaux fiy — find Wahpanosh in woods — take her — 
bring her here. 

And do you wish to go back to your tribe V 

If not go back— soon die— always winter here— no wig- 
wam — marry young elk in three moons, when I go back. 

So yoit are willing, Wahpanosh, to help us in getting 
away; to bring us to your tribe, and then to some fort 
where there are big ships ? 

Pale faces take Indian squaw back, show father and 
mother, smiling bird’s face, always friends, bring pale 
face to big salt sea. 

It is a bargain Wahpanosh, 1 answered. And when we 
get home to my father, mother and the one that is to be 
my wife, I will send Wahpanosh nice blankets and young- 
elk shall have the best rifie in England. 

She laughed heartily at this suggestion, and then asked. 
How did pale face come here— leave young squaw— old 
father — old mother ? 

I told my story as short and plain as possible; she had 
seen the big ships at Port York apd had some idea about, 
whale fishing, etc. She then told me about some pale 
faces that had marched through their hunting grounds 
on their way north. I afterwards learned that she re- 
ferred to Franklin’s expedition by land, when exploring 
the arctic region. 

Now, Wahpanosh, I said, you know this country better 


108 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


than we, how are we to get away ? 

Kill all the Esquimaux, she answered excited, load one 
—two sleds -plenty to eat— Wahpanosh show way to 
sunny land. 

No, no, smiling bird, I will not kill them; I would 
rather go with them to their land and then afterwards to 
your land. 

Pale face— warrior— no like scalp— good— give Esqui- 
maux present— eat heap — them hogs — big hogs. 

That is right said Stop laughing, they are hogs. 

We must give them nearly all our provision, if they can 
be bribed at all, I remarked. 

No sirree boss, we want to keep enough for a long trip. 
We will give them the oil and the live deer. 

Live deer — pale face live deer and the girl looked 
around. 

Ah! you do not know half of our secrets said Stop as 
he arose, lighining a torch and started towards the inner 
cave. 

She took the torch out of his hand and began to 
examine the room, she made a frightened remark when 
she noticed the guns. It appeared as though she had not 
paid any attention to them when we first met her. Fire- 
bow— Esquimaux much afraid, no hurt pale face. 

Good! she shouted and clapped her hands as she entered 
the inner cave, pale face heap wise, good wigwam, deer 
good present, for Exquimaux, hogs, eat, two, three 
mouthfuls. 

Must we sacrifice them ? I said turning to Stop. 

To be sure, he answered; we are going away, and even 
though we let them loose they would not be able to pro- 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 109 

vide for themselves. And these hogs as she calls them 
must have something. 

Very well then Stop, tie them together so the girl can 
lead them. It is best to let her go ahead and arrange 
with them for our coming. 

Good, answered the girl, Wahpanosh is ready. 

We got the two deer outside and tied them together 
with a line so that she could lead them. 

Now go I said, my heart beating fast, I was alarmed as 
to the result. Go Wahpanosh, and remember we trust 
in you. Treat us honestly and squarely and you will 
never regret it. You shall see your, young elk, and your 
parents as well. 

Wahpanosh mean good^ speak truth — pale face and 
Wahpanosh friends. 

And as she spoke, she put her hand on her breast. 

She then took the line and led the deer away. 

Now boss, let us pack up our things said Stop as we 
went back in our cave. These devils may want all we 
have here. 1 think we better take these wolf and 'bear 
skins to pack our dried meat in, they can have the old fox 
skin and the fish. 

You are right Stop, but we must give them some idea 
what our guns can do, or they may become too bold. 

To be sure Henry, keep your eyes well peeled, we can 
never depend on these savages, they are sly as a fox. If 
they see our power they will behave, but if they think us 
weak they will be tyrants. 

The case among civilized people also, Stop. The 
strong, the rich, the bold, are in most cases well treated; 
while the poor, weak and scared are handled roughly. 


110 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

So what can we expect from these. Take good care of 
the bible. Lay the shot here and the bible here. 

The devil, here is our boat, said Stop. That ought to 
interest them. I can show them how to put it together 
and the girl can tell them. I dare say she speaks their 
language better than I. 

Could we not use it ? I asked. 

No, Henry, it would make too much of a load. 

In about an hour’s time we had everything packed, and 
putting our pistols and hatchets in place, so as to have 
them ready should it be necessary to use them, we started 
out to see what had been done by Wahpanosh. 

Say boss, broke in Stop, if it comes to shooting we 
must du so only one at a time. 

Very well Stop! Ah! Here they are. 

There at some distance stood the girl, and the Esqui- 
maux all around her, listening to her. 

She told them how she had met two strange people and 
when we had heard of their presence had sent these two- 
deer. She also told that we were armed with lightning, 
and would come out to see them. 

Just then they caught sight of us, and instead of rush- 
ing down upon us, they stood staring, without making a 
move. 

Just then a kind of hawk came dying by. I raised my 
gun, took good aim and dred, the bird falling only a few 
feet from where they stood. 

That was right, said Stop with a smile; they have 
enough. I do not think they want any more evidence, by 
their surprised looks. 

Wahpanosh beckoned us to come closer, and we 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


Ill 


marched forward with shouldered guns and heads erect 
as though we were a whole regiment of soldiers, and a few 
minutes later we were surrounded by these strange people 
of the arctic region. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

The Esquimaux examined us from top to bottom, with 
frightened glances at our guns. They picked up the bird 
and examined it carefully. They held it up and shook it,, 
but when the bullet did not fall out they were awe- 
stricken. It was evident that such a case had never be- 
fore been witnessed by them. 

They talked together and danced around us, feeling of 
our clothes. Suddenly their dance ceased. They had no- 
ticed Stop’s wooden leg and, stooping down, they exam- 
ined it closely, 

Wahpanosh stood quiet and watched their perform - 
ance. She was as straight as a candle, and her eyes shone 
with a proudness which only one of her tribe could pos- 
sess. 

We were quietly examining the dogs and sled, at the 
same time laying plans for our escape. 

AVhat do you think Stop, I asked; will these heaven 
sent savages bring us safe to the American continent V 

I don’t believe that they come from heaven, he answer- 
ed; they are too dirty and smell too strong; but their 
sleds are quite comfortabfe; but look here Henry, we 
must hurry and make arrangements, we have no time to 
lose, the summer is near at hand. 

You are right Stop, I answered, and turning to Wah- 
panosh I asked her to interpret to the chief what I had 
to say. 


112 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

Have no chief, she answered; talk like hogs, but Wah- 
panosh speak what pale face wish. 

She then bade them be quiet and with her as interpreter 
the following conversation took place. 

Why have you come to this island? 

For to fish and hunt during the summer, and then 
when winter again arrives to return to our home. 

Where is your home ? 

In Akkoolee. 

And where is Akkoolee ? 

One of them pointed towards the southeast, and Wap- 
anosh nodded her head in assent. 

Will you agree to bring us back to your home at once, 
and then show us the way to some place where we can 
meet some large ship and some of our people, on the con- 
dition that you get well paid for it. We will give you all 
what our cave contains, together with the»e two deer, 
with the exceptien of necessary provisions to carry us 
through. 

We stood quiet, leaning on our guns, while Wapanosh 
explained our proposition. At the same time we were on 
the alert for any treacherous attack from them, as they 
showed signs of disagreement. 

She don’t seem to come to any conclusion in our behalf, 
said Stop, Look at that homely old woman how she 
shakes her fist. 

They do appear contrary, the homely cripples. I ex- 
pected as much, but w r e will not give in so easy, I 
answered. 

Just then Wapanosh turned to us ahd said. 

They have concluded to stay here till next winter; that 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 113 

they know there is an abundance of both fish and game 
here; but if we would stay till they went, that they 
would agree to bring us to their home and then show us 
the way south. But could not be induced to leave now. 

I want to go at once. 1 said sharply, but that I would 
agree to huut a few days for them with my gun when we 
got to their home, but if we stayed here I could not allow 
them to hunt, as I claimed to be owner of the island and 
would need the game for our own keeping. 

They said that they would talk the matter over, and 
withdrew a short distance, at the same time taking the 
two deer which they killed and began to devour before 
they were half roasted by the fire. The entrails were 
thrown to the hungry dogs. 

Wahpanosh told us that she had caught a few words a* 
they lefq aod that they would prolong the time in debating 
until it was to late to return, that is untill the ice would 
begin to break up. 

Very well sail Stop, just what I expected. I did not like 
their looks from the beginning, they expect to blindfold 
us, but I will not live here one day together with those 
v.le, dirty, ugly looking creatures. I will either leave today 
or see that they get out of the way — Wahpanosh you 
know the«e rascals, what is your advise? 

Esquimaux eat like hogs— sleep like big snake — one — two 
— three— six hours. Give more to eat -sleep all day — when 
sleep pale face take dogs and sled, leave boat aod cave - pay 
for sled -Wahpacosh bring pale face to big land. 

Hurrah! shouted Stop, a good idea my girl, now to work 
boss, we have no time to lose. 

Wahpanosh go talk to Esquimaux tell him taste pale face 


114 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


fish — he say yes —hitch good dogs — go and fetch fish — eat 
—pale face take sled— get more — load up — away we go. 

Ha, ha, ha! Wah, you are the queen of all girls, said 
Stop, as he rubbed his hand. 

Wah, as we will hereafter call our Indian heroine, 
laughed also and stepped lightly over to the Esquimaux 
They had all laid down by the fire except the man who 
took care of the dogs. He sat on a stone, whip in hand 
ready to quell them should any of them make a break for 
freedom. By his appearance it was evident that he had 
not received as much of the deer as his companions. 

Wah spoke to him and asked if he would not like to see 
the white man’s hut and get some more to eat. He could 
also bring some more along with him. 

He nodded his head and Wah told him to hitch those 
dogs that were the least tired, and let the others rest: and 
to take the largest sled so as to load more provision. 

He arose lazily and after some time he was ready and 
followed us. 

(Ire it was his surprise when he saw the sulphuric 
stream and noticed the hot water, and greater yet when 
he tasted it and made some of the most ugly faces I have 
ever seen. 

He followed us into the cave. There he stood staring 
as though he was nailed to the floor. We gave him some fish 
to eat and also some to take back to his company; and 
after loading a considerable quantity onto the sled we 
started towards the Esquimaux. 

Y ou better remain here Henry, said Stop, and bring all 
our packages outside ready to load when we return. 1 
will see that these fellows ase well filled. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 115 

So I went back into the cave and a feeling came over 
me which I had not felt for a long time. I was again 
alone. Supposing this girl was a traitor, and would be- 
tray us, now old Stop was there alone. They would then 
murder him and I would be left alone to battle with them 
until my ammunition was again exhausted, and would be 
left to perhaps a worse fate then to be killed. Rut I have 
often been sorry that I should think so hard of a girl, 
with as pure a heart, and as faithful to us as she proved 
to be. 

I raised my eyes towards heaven and offered a prayer, 
asking the Almighty to protect us and deliver us out of 
this place of bondage. Whereupon 1 hastily got the stuff 
out of the cave, and turned my steps towards my friend 
and would-be-rescuer. 

I walked around the height which hid them from my 
view, but I stopped as soon as I could see them. 

All the Esquimaux were on their feet and dancing, and 
kicking like madmen, while Stop was trying to imitate 
them as much as his wooden leg would permit. 

I saw him motion to them to join hands and dance in a 
circle, which they readily did, and every time they would 
stop to draw breath he would pass a bottle from one to 
the other, also giving them more to eat, whereupon they 
would start to whirl around with great rapidity. 

I saw at a glance what he was doing, he had taken a 
bottle of rum from his trunk, where he had kept it as a 
medicine in case of sickness, now he was useing it as a 
remedy to effect our escape. 

Poor ignorant people, I thought, you are enjoying your 
first experience with liquor, but I am afraid the result 


116 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


will not be so pleasant. 

Wah. sat quiet by the sled, her eyes constantly fastened 
upon the drunken group. The scene soon changed as one 
by one they commenced to drop to the ground till notone 
was able to raise. 

Then Stop walked over to the girl and both got into the 
sled, she gave the signal for the dogs to start and they 
came rapidly forward, w T hen they come to where I was 
they stopped while I got in and away we went to the 
cave. 

While Scop and I were loading our provision. Wah. 
was feeding the dogs and looking after the harness, so as 
to have everything in good shape. I could not help 
blaming Stop a little for setting the poor creatures drunk. 

Well no v boss, he answered, if they would take to 
drinking on account of this you would have reason to lay 
the blame on me; but as it is they will perhaps never 
get the taste of liquor again. And you see I was afraid 
that they would not sleep long enough so I gave them a 
little rum, which perhaps will prevent any shooting. 

We were well pleased with the outlook; Wah. handled 
the dogs with the greatest skill and we felt safe under her 
guidance. 

After half an hour’s hustling we had everything packed, 
the dogs were fed, and our weapons loaded ready for any 
emergency. 

It was only shortley before dark, but even though it 
had been midnight I do not think we should have lingered 
one moment after everything was ready. 

The last strap was fastened, Wah held the lines, and 
Stop and I crowled on top of the packages. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


117 


All ready ? asked Wall. 

All ready answered Stop, and now my good girl let ns 
move. 

Yes Wah. and may God be with us on this perilous 
journey. 

The dogs being rested, they started off towards the sea 
as though they had only a few rods to run instead of 

miles and miles before they would get across the frozen 
ocean. 

Say, Wah, are we not coming too close to those sav- 
ages? asked Stop. 

Don’t fear — if they get up— no run— firewater make 
them fall 

Do you see, Henry, that I done well in giving them a 
little dose?. But I don’t see the necessity of passing 
quite so close to them. 

Best way -follow tracks to Akkoolee — straight ahead — 
not miss, answered Wah. 

But Akkoolee is the place where these thieves come 
from. It will not be safe. 

Sure safe -all gone— hunt -fish. 

Ah! I see; but the tramping of these dogs will wake 
them. A little more to the right. There is one fellow 
trying to get up, and the dogs will bark. 

Several of the Esquimaux were now raising their 
heads, and seeing what we were about, jumped up and 
commenced to yell and stamp their feet. Some were yet 
dozy and stumbled, but they soon recovered. The loss 
of a sled, 12 dogs and a girl that was evidently intended 
for a wife for one of their gang, was more than they 
would willingly let go. 

Some began to hitch the rest of the dogs to the remain- 


118 HEN 11 Y MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 
ing sled, while the others were sending a shower of ar- 
rows after us. 

Ob! oh! said Stop, as an arrow glided across his arm, 
taking away some of the fur from his coat. This is going 
too far; if you want fight you can have it. 

Stop, I said, laying my hand on his shoulder, as he was 
turning around and raising his gun, don’t shoot these 
poor creatures unless we are in danger. We have done 
them harm enough. 

Very well Henry, but they shall not take us alive and 
bring us back, that is all. I will not hurt them if they let 
us alone, but the rascals will catch us in a few minutes 
See them come. 

Shoot quick, said Wah. 

Look here Stop, I said, let us try an experiment. Wah, 
let our dogs come to a standstill. We will let them come 
a little closer, then we will shoot one of their dogs. Rut 
if that don't stop them we will have to defend ourselves. 

She drew up the lines and the dogs lay down. Stop and 
1 got out of the sled and took aim. We both fired at the 
same dog and he fell dead. This stopped the whole gang. 
They seemed to recollect our strauge weapons, which it 
seems they had not thought of when they first attempted 
to follow us. 

Away we went again and this time without being pur- 
sued. 

We soon discovered the correctness in choosing the 
track to Akkoiee as the girl had proposed. It was now 
getting dark, and without the Esquimaux trail it would 
have been impossible to follow the right direction. 

The dogs. were going at a good speed over the level 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 119 

sheet of ice. We went oyer rough and smooth without 
any signs of the dogs growing tired, until we had trav- 
eled nearly eight hours. Then they began to slacken and 
were only kept in motion by Wah urging them along. 

Away we went, but still no sign of land ahead, and the 
snow was getting soft, thus making it harder for the 
dogs. All of a sudden we were in total darkness. 
We could not see the foremost dogs, and a few minutes 
later it began to snow very heavy. All trail was now lost 
and we stopped a few minutes for the dogs to draw 
breath. 

How we now longed for the day to dawn. The dogs 
jumped up and started off with renewed strength. 

What makes them bo anxious, I asked. 

Smell game, said Wah, 

I thought I saw a fox jump close by us over there, said 
Stop; I am afraid they will break this kindling box at 
this rate. 

Would it not be well to camp until daylight, asked 
Stop. 

No, answered Wah, too much snow — get buried. 

The girl is right, I said, Ah ! it is clearing off, it will 
soon be daylight. 

Gooh— mush— squa— too, said Stop, imitating the 
words he had heard Wah. use to urge the doge forward as 
they were again going very slow. 

The sun soon appeared in the eastern sky aud we felt 
a warm wind blowing from the south; the snow was now 
melting fast and I saw the same wonderful change in the 
temperature as I had experienced a year previous. 

As we still pushed forward, I was getting alarmed; 


120 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

the ice was apt to break up any time and perhaps drown 
some of us, or separate us, to be cast on these lonely 
inlands again. But I resolved to keep together, and if it 
was not possible to be saved, to all go down and not try 
to live in misery any more. 

We soon halted, and our situation looked critical: 
before us was open water for a long distance, stretching 
right and left as far as we could see. 

There was a dark object visible towards the southwest 
and we pronounced this to be the land which we so hard 
had tried to reach. 

We were very hungry and got out some dried meat, 
upon which we made our breakfast, and after feeding 
some to the dogs, we started off agaiu along the edge of 
the open water. 

After several hours we came to what we thought was 
the end of the canal. The dogs were very tired and I 
suggested that we let them rest for a couple hours and 
then proceed towards the point of land visible in the far 
west. 

I second the motion, said Stop. 

No, no; no good, said Wah, ice melt fast— sun make air 
fire. One— two hours— all water, pointing to the ice un 
derneath us— dogs tired— make go— must go. 

A There is some sense in that girl, said Stop. 

I was about to make some remarks about her wisdom, 
when we received a shock that threw me down; my head 
struck a projecting piece of ice and I lay almost senseless 
for a few minutes. Stop was thrown off the sled, and 
when I arose upon my knees I heard the well-known 
sound of the ice breaking up. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


121 


The ice where vve had stopped was suddenly tore loose 
and, whirling around a few times, began to move out into 
open water. 

We are lost, groaned old Stop. 1 feel as though I had 
been knocked down by a cannon ball. Who would have 
thought the likes, to be drowned here like rats. This raft 
will not last long. 

Keep up your courage my friend, I said, we will per- 
haps get out of this yet. 

It is well for you to think so, and I tell you if we ever 
get home, we will not be caught up here again. But 
what are we to do? IIovv are we to get out of this? The 
sled is of no account, the ice is breaking up. and this 
rocking horse is heading southward. 

Ice not all broke, said Wall. Land near by. Steer this 
to land. 

She outwits both of us Henry. But let us gee to work , 

We now began to work our raft towards the supposed 
land; but it was harder than we thought and made but 
slow progress. Our guns made about the only things 
we had in the wav of poles, and these we could only use 
when we came near some other floating ice. Wah had 
succeeded in getting a piece of board from the Esqui- 
maux sled, and with this she was paddling away, strain- 
ing every part of her muscle to force the ice across the 
current. 

As we were but little use, not having anything to use 
as a paddle we planned a sail. The wind had shifted a 
trifle and by arranging our guns so they stood upright, 
we tied a large hide to them thus forming a sail, which 
added considerable to our speed. 


122 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


It was now getting dusk and as I stood watching the 
raft as it glided slowly across the blue water. I fell into a 
stream of thoughts that left all surroundings unnoticed. 

I thought of what I had gone through and what I had 
read about old Barentz, Cook and several other distin- 
guished men, wondering if I should live to tell my adven- 
tures, when suddenly Wall's voice aroused me. 

Pale face get ready. 

What do you mean ? I asked, as I looked around but 
could see nothing now it being nearly dark. But the 
faithful Wahpanosli had not been asleep and I felt 
ashamed of myself. She had already before dark noticed 
a large sheet of ice before us and as we were now ap- 
proaching it she gave the signal to be prepared. 

In answer to my query she said: Hard ice come— get 
into sled, go help one-leg take down sail. 

Down with the sail old boy and get into the sled; land 
ahead. 

Hurrah! shouted Stop, and in a few moments every- 
thing was ready. The girl went forward and watched 
when the raft should strike against the solid ice. 

Glouk — Glouk — Glouk, shouted Wah. and jumping 
back she picked up the lines; the dogs understood her 
and were on their feet in a moment; they sniffed the air 
and as quick as we felt the ice touch, she started the dogs 
on a gallop and we were now being carried towards land 
at a rapid rate. Having been over four hours on our ice 
raft, the dogs were well rested. 

Well done, shouted Stop, that is the way to do it. 

We were now really nearing land; I imagined that I 
could see tree tops in the distance although it was dark. 


123 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

I told Wah. to drive slow as we might strike against 
some projecting ice and perhaps break the sled or get 
thrown out. But she shook her head and pointed towards 
the shore, at the same time urging the dogs forward by 
using the whip. 

Pale face hold fast, whispered the girl. 

I strained my eyes to see what danger was facing us, 
and soon, discovered that the ice had already parted from 
the shore about three feet; this the girl seemed to have 
realized long before we got there and was the reason why 
she was driving the willing dogs to their utmost speed, 
so as to gain this point before the gap should be too 
wide. 

Her plan was to jump the channel; and depending on 
the sled being longer then the distance between the 
ice and the shore, she now laid the whip to the poor dogs 
harder then before. 

But the ice was moving and as the dogs scrambled up 
the bank the rear of the sled went into the water with a 
splash, we were no sooner out of the water when we struck 
a snag and the sled was upset together with its occupants 
and all the contents. 

Upon my word, said Stop after he had got his breath 
if this don’t beat horse-racing, bull fights and all other 
notorious sports. Dogs were not made for horses any- 
way. 

Let us not complain 1 said, we can thank these dogs 
that we are safely landed on some part of the American 
continent. 

O well now, that is some comfort Henry, but if this is 
America it don’t look one bit like what I have seen be- 


124 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

fore. I saw long rows of houses, streets, and ships. 

My dear Stop, America is a large country, it stretches 
almost from north to south, and is not all settled, it is a 
strange country, and stranger still we are now standing 
on its shore. 

Good— big - land, said Wah, take rest— little bit- travel 
more — find house— one — two — six — ten — five. 

Well that was a new way to count. I guess she would 
say her prayer like the boy said his multiplication table, 
but how far is it? asked Stop. 

Long way — travel ali day— rest little while. 

Rut how my good girl I asked. 

Lift sled up— make tent— dogs sleep — run fast tomor- 
row. 

We then proceeded to rig up as she had suggested, and 
by the aid of our bear skins we succeeded in forming- 
some shelter; and after taking refreshments we laid 
down, and being all tired out, we soon fell asleep. 

I had slept about five hours, according to my reckoning, 
when I felt someone pulling my arm, which made me 
jump up. It was Wah, and she pointed towards the sun 
which was already quite a ways up. 1 also saw that she 
had got Stop's flint and steel, and had a nice fire by which 
she was roasting some meat. 

No time to lose— snow melt quick— then walk. 

What do you say, girl? broke in Stop. Walk! as he 
lifted his wooden leg. Do- we have to walk ? 

I did not answer. I felt thunderstruck at the thought, 
I knew that this walk would be impossible in this wilder- 
ness. A man of his age, and with a wooden leg, how 
could he walk ? 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


125 


I wish I liacl never been born, growled Stop, with tears 
in his eyes. I wish I could die, and then you could pro- 
ceed. 

Sh, sh, I said. He seemed to be getting more cranky 
and I was afraid he was nearing some sickness. 

Old grayliair — good fr end -walk as far as he can— find 
boat— one leg sit in boat. 

That is all very well my girl; but one leg as you call me, 
can walk but very slow. Can we not keep the dogs? 

No — dogs hungry— eat us— keep them till snow is gone 
— till we get to other big water. 

What! another sea yet ? I asked, surprised. 

She nodded her head. 

But how w r ill we get across that ? 

Find Esquimaux— canoe— make trade for sled, she said, 
laughing. 

One more sea, groaned Stop. 

This island big -water all around— one place not far. 

My thoughts wandered for awhile. I thought of my 
studies in geography, and as the girl had said that this 
was a large island it must be that we were on the coast of 
Baffin bay, or perhaps that she had meant Baffin bay or 
one of the straits that connect it, when she said that we 
should cross another water. 

Did you cross that other water in boats, I asked. 

Yes— one -two times. Esquimaux travel far— from 
where the sun set-big tribe. 

But do you intend to go west? I thought we should 
go south. 

She nodded again. 

Why, Wah? 


126 


HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP. 


Large stones— small stones— all stones— nothing to eat 
—nothing to drink— die, she said, pointing south. 

You must know better than we Wah, and we leave 
everything to you. So you expect to reach another sea ? 

Yes— large water — make canoe— find one— keep guns— 
Esquimaux fight— eat prisoner — big tribe— shoot. 

Upon my soul, if that isn’t a grand bill of fare, said 
Stop witn a grin. Another ride on the sled, a trip in a 
canoe, then another walk across an Island, a fight with 
Esquimaux, a robbery perhaps, then a long voyage. 
If this won't be.a five year job for my old wooded leg 
I will eat it up. 

Nonsense, Stop. One more winter may pass, but that 
will be all, with the help of God. 

Young paleface correct— one winter— big bear lake- 
rest— fish and then down lake of the woods— my home, 
said the girl as she put her hand to her breast to show 
that her heart ached for home. 

These blessed dogs are done eating, said Stop, as he 
arose and walked over towards the sled, and five minutes 
later we were again going at a rapid rate in about a west, 
southwesterly course. 

We put up for the night in a deserted Esquimaux hut, 
where we found some whale-oil, which was of great value 
to us. We fed this to the dogs, as our supply was getting 
small, and without food it was impossible for them to 
stand it very long. According to Wah’s advice we took 
a long rest, and next morning we started off again with 
renewed strength on the part of our dogs, and renewed 
courage and hopes on our part. 

As nothing particular occurred, I will only remark that 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 127 

we saw a good* many sunsets before we reached the other 
water which Wah had referred to. This we found yet 
frozen so as to carry us, and we ventured out on the ice 
once more. We could not make very great headway as 
the snow was soft and melted fast; but after a long tedi- 
ous ride we came in sight of several fires which AY ah de- 
clared was an Indian village on an Island. 

CHAPTER XV. 

We stopped at some distance from the island and Wah 
explained that there was about 120 huts in this village, 
and that they were friends and relatives of the people we 
had met on my island. She also suggested the following: 

Young paleface well— old one-leg tired — better rest -go 
to the village— afraid of gun— no hurt paleface — big 
ships come hero— Indian squaw — go alone to red man’s 
wigwam. 

Wahpanosh! we will not listen to this. We have 
promised to see you safe at your home and will do so. We 
will not stay here and let you go alone. We will fly to- 
gether or die together. What do you say Stop? 

To be sure, we must keep our promise she has been 
faithful and without her aid we would have died before 
we got half ways. No, no, Wah we will follow you to 
your home, and when you are safe with your father and 
mother we will depart. 

Paleface is a man— his voice is sure as the hunters 
arrow— his color is white -but his heart is red— and Wah. 
is very happy. A bird is singing in the forest -calling 
Wah to his nest— the voice is very sweet to Wah. — but 
there is a long way between us— and Wah will never forget 


128 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


the pale face brother that saved her from the Esquimaux. 

Musgwash is a brave warrior — his wigwam is empty— 
when that is full he will be happy —there will be no more 
clouds before his eyes — and he will see his pale brother — 
Wah. has heard what paleface said and it is all good. 

I am pleased to hear that you are satisfied, you are the 
happy lark, that always sings, I said. 

No, she answered blushing, pale face not call Wah sing- 
ing lark — has singing lark — home — in big land. 

Thank you Wah. I said I will call you sister. 

Yes, sister— very well — Wah pale face sitter — what now? 

We leave everythiug to you? 

Old oneleg also? 

Follows the boss. 

Esquimaux island big -niirht come soon — no moon— lay 
ou the island one — two hours — then go —Esquimaux come— 
then tight. 

As you choose Wah. we will obey orders. 

Wah. told us to get into the sled again, and retreating a 
short distance until we lost sight of the village, she swung 
the dogs in a different direction, and galloped along for 
some time. We came to a halt on a narrow point of land 
extentiug out into the water and which was nearly free 
from snow, here was clear water as far as we could see, and 
Stop sighed as he said. Sleighing is gone, what will become 
or us. 

Plenty canoe— village close by — Wah. go and get, Kayak 
(the name of a large Esquimaux boat, while the smaller 
oDes are called Oomiak) lend gun. 

But I will go with you, I said. Stop can stay here and 
take care of the sled. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 129 

Wah nodded her consent and took Stop’s gun without 
saying a word. 

We then started with all the carefulness of a spy. We 
passed around towards the south, as Wah told me that 
the Esquimaux would be fishing between us and the vil- 
lage. 

The ground was very rough and in some places so soft 
that it was hardly passable. Green sprouts of different 
kinds ot vegetation could be seen all around us. 

Wah went along with the quietness of her race, while 
I followed closely, clutching my gun, and reflecting upon 
the result of our undertaking I had never shed human 
blood, and I Drayed to God that I should not be com- 
pelled to take the life of any of these poor savages, whose 
property I was now in the act of stealing. I knew the 
value of one’s own life, and also knew that they valued 
theirs as high as I did my own. There was no excuse for 
my action; it was deliberate stealing. I felt as though I 
could have made a bargain with the Esquimaux and given 
them something in exchange for a boat. But in that case 
I would be compelled to give up the girl who had so faith- 
fully guided us a^ay from my lonely island in the far 
north, and whom I had promised to deliver to her folks 
providing she would show us the way, I owed her more 
than a father’s protection, and resolved not to give her up 
before we reached her home, come what may. 

We had gone about two miles when Wah. stopped short. 

Sh, Sh, she said, as she laid her Anger on her lip. 

What is it V 

Nothing— seen something -must stoop down-creep 
like snail— follow. 


130 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

We thus crept slowly along until we came to a point 
where the Esquimaux village was again visible. 

Hm, she said as she beckoned for me to come closer. 

My heart beat heavily and my eyes became blinded as I 
neared her, fearing that something dreadful would 
happen. 

See ! she said pointing down towards the village. 

I looked in the direction which she pointed out to me 
and saw several Kayaks and Oomiaks near the shore, but 
too near the village to get at them unnoticed. 

But the Indian girl knew more than I did and she had 
already laid her plans. She bade me remain where I was, 
and told me to defend her from this point in case of an 
attack after she got into one of the boats. 

She laid the gun down and moved along without mak- 
ing the least noise. 1 watched her as long as 1 could, but 
soon she disappeared and I was left alone. I felt a chill 
creep over me, as I stood motionless watching the spot 
where I expected her to come out to the boats. 

We were now all separated for the first time since our 
departure from my island. I thought of different dangers 
that might befall Stop before our return. What if some 
of these savages were roaming about and should find the 
old man alone, without anything but his pistol to defend 
himself with. And perhaps the girl would be surrounded 
and once more be made prisoner, thus leaving me alone 
in a worse place than on my lonely island. In fact I felt 
anxious for old Stop, the girl and for myself. I was be- 
ginning to get very restless, when suddenly I saw the 
bushes part and Wall quickly stepped into the boat, took 
a-n oar and shoved off. 


131 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 

I stood Stop’s gun up against a bush, clutched my own 
tightly and waited. But so quiet had she moved along 
that her presence had not been noticed, and in a few 
minutes she was near where I stood. She motioned with 
her hand and I stepped out uear the waters edge ready to 
board the boat as soon as she laid by. 

Paleface— quick— get oneleg, she said. 

I laid the guns down and took an oar. We nad about a 
quarter of a mile to row before we would be out of sight 
should anybody from the village come down to where the 
boats were. It was therefore of the utmost importance 
to pass this distance as speedily as possible. 

Meanwhile old Stop had stretched himself out on a 
couple of bearskins. He had laid one hatchet by his side 
and put the other in his belt. Then he filled his pipe 
and enjoyed a good old smoke. And as he thus lay he 
began the following soliloquy: 

All this is very strange, Mr. Stop. Are you sure that it 
is correct? How is it? Am I hear in this cold region or 
is it a dream? I don’t understand. No! First I land on 
an island; there I meet Henry, God bless him. Then this 
Indian girl. Now Stop, is this girl good enough for him? 
You had better find this out. No nonsense. There is 
Fanny at home crying her bright eyes out for his sake. 
No sir, I cannot allow it. Don’t be false, Mr. Henry, is 
Stop’s advice. He does seem to show love for her. He 
is young and she is young and love is natural at that age. 
But Henry is as well as married and so is Wah. Besides 
hejis white and she is red. No, this won’t do. He would 
then have to turn trapper and live in the woods. Well 
as to living in the woods he is used to that now. But I 


132 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

cannot allow it for sweet Fanny’s sake, that’s all. This is 
really a nice robbery. Two children like them set out to 
steal a boat. It may go alright up here, but other places 
it would not be so easy. Suppose it was in England. 
But then it can’t be worse than stealing dogs and there I 
had a hand in it myself. Ha! ha! ha!. And the old fel- 
low laughed till the tears rolled down his cheeks. (And 
how I laughed the first time he told me about it.) 

When he had wiped his eyes and opened them he shut 
them again. He thought he was dreaming; so he opened 
and shut his eyes several times. But still the same was 
before him. 

There stood four Esquimaux armed with bows, arrows, 
spears and knives; some raising their spears and others 
snapping their bo vs, while they pointed to the sled and 
then towards north, and made signs which Stop soon un- 
derstood. 

You are liars! shouted Stop. Do you dirty, crippled 
rats mean to say that I killed the owner and stole the 
sled? No, sir, I did not kill them, and when I took the 
sled I left them a boat and several other articles of value 
in payment for it. 

The Esquimaux shook their heads and came closer, one 
of them picking up the hatchet that lay by Stop’s side 
and turning to his comrades they examined it very 
closely. 

Stop took the other hatchet and clutching his pistol he 
waited. 

When you get done examining that toy, be kind enough 
to return it, said he after a short pause. 

They turned towards him; one of them began to talk 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


133 


and all the time making signs towards the dogs and sled; 
when he had finished, he pointed to the hatchet and put 
it under his arm and reached oat his hand as if to close 
the bargain with a hand shake. 

Aha! I understand, said Stop. We have, as you sup- 
pose, killed your friends, stolen their dogs, etc. Rut you 
are willing to call it square if I give you the hatchet; this 
is a fine fix to be in, and the boss is not here. Very well, 
I guess it is safest for me to consent, but I wish they 
would soon get out of here or the whole tribe will be on 
our back. 

Stop then made a motion that they could keep the 
hatchet when they noticed the one in Ills hand. One of 
them made a move forward to secure that, but Stop 
jumped up and swinging the hatchet over his head he 

shouted. 

No sir: you thieves, this is mine and I intend to keep t, 
you git or you will feel its edge across your skull. 

The Esquimaux hesitatsd, but they were four and their 
opponent only one, wbh no weapon that they could see 
but the hatchet. They prepared for bat ie. And as they 
raised their spear Stop drew his pistol, and stepping back 
he stumbled over the sled. 

The Esquimaux yelled and came forward to get the 
valued prize which Stop had dropped in his fall. But he 
did not lose his presence of mind and tired his pistol, direct 
into the face of the foremost Esquimaux. Almost at the 
same instant two more shots rang out and three of the 
Esbuimaux tumbled to the ground, while the fourth took 
to his heels as fast as be could. 

The dickens, said Stop as he arose, this is a nice affair. 


134 HE Nil Y MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

Quick— no talk —work said Wah. as she rushed forward 
and took the scalps of the three death Esquimaux before 
I could get there to prevent it. 

We now unloaded the sled and put everything in the 
boat, I left one of our hatchets oa the sled as a present 
to the Esquimaux or rather as payment for the boat. 

Stop and I were already in the boat, and AYah. was about 
to join us, when we saw that we were being pursued. A 
number of savages came yelling along the bank, while 
several boats could be seen at a distance of about three 
hundred yards, evidently hoping to cut us off while the 
ones on shore would attack us from the rear. 

Wah. grabbed an oar and we all began to row as hard as 
our strength would allow. But we saw plainly that the 
b »ats were gaining on us, as there were only one or two in 
each, while ours was loaded heavily. 

When we got about onehundred yards from shore, AY ah. 
dropped her oar as she said, no rum — but fight. 

She picked up the bow and arrow which she had taken 
from the dead Esquimaux. Stop and I examined our 
guns and pistols. AA r e were now only one hundred yards 
or so from the boats and in ten minutes more they would 
have captured us, had we continued to row. This the girl 
well knew aud chose the time for battle as soon as we 
were out of reach of those on the shore. 

We were prepared, and resolved to fight till the last drop 
of blood ha 1 flowed from our body. AVe would not be 
taken alive. 

Say, boss, my sight is not as good as it used to be, whis- 
pered Stop, you had better do the shooting while I load, as 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 135 

you know we must not waste powder. Every shot must 
count. 

Very well, I answered, at the same time raising my 
gun. But I had no more than got it to my shoulder when 
I lowered it again. 

The men had all stopped rowing except one old man in 
a very light canoe, who was coming towards us, making 
signs which Wah declared to be their iiae of truce. 

When he was near enough so that we could hear him, 
he began to speak. I pointed to Wah and she at once 
questioned him as to what they wanted. 

He said they were sorry that anything should happen 
to disturb their friendly feeling towards the white men. 
They had been well treated by the people that came in the 
big ships, and were willing to forgive us and be friendly 
again, providing we would consent to the following prop- 
ositions: First, that we should give presents to the 
widows of the men that we had killed; and second, that 
we should deliver to them the Indian girl; also the dogs 
and sleds which they knew we had stolen even though we 
had not harmed their companions in any other way. 

I answered that I would not under any consideration 
give up the Indian girl, and that I could not comply with 
their first request as I had nothing to give. But we 
would leave the dogs. 

Wah told them what I had said The man made a sign 
to his companions which was answered with a yell from 
the whole gang; at the same time a shower of arrows 
were raining down in all directions. It was evident that 
I could not avoid battle any longer and must defend my- 
self. I raised my gun and fired, handing it to Stop, and 


136 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


taking his gun while he loaded. 

1 had thus fired four shots into the crowd when they 
turned and fled towards shore. 

We then took to our oars and rowed out upon the open 
sea, soon losiDg sight of the Esquimaux village and its 
inhabitants. 

After three hours hard work rowing we found our- 
selves at the mouth of a small bay, into which we en- 
tered. The banks were very rocky, but further back the 
land was level, with green grass, plants and flowers grow- 
ing in abundance, a very enjoyable sight indeed. 

We landed, and after taking some refreshments we 
held a council as to our further proceedings. We were, 
as I afterwards discovered, on Melville island. 

Well, Wah, I said, have you been here before? 

She nodded. 

When? 

Taken prisoner— and brought to Akkolee. 

But how did you come? 

In canoe. 

But not along the shore. I said, pointing to the ’water’s 
edge. 

No— carry canoe on land— other big water there, she 
said, pointing towards the west. 

Do you know what boss? This is blind navigation. 
According to my idea now, it will take half a century to 
get out of this forsaken country. We must be in among 
a thousand islands, growled Stop. 

What is your intention now, Wah? I asked. 

Pull canoe— make sled— one— two sticks— find river- 
go down — reach big water. 


HENRY MAl'NARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 137 

Well, well. A strange way of sailing. Never saw the 
likes. So we must draw this boat. T never expected to 
turn horse, but I suppose it must be so, said Stop. 

It is the best way my friend. Without her I do not see 
what we should do I answered. 

It is well you think so Henry. Some people are satis- 
fied with things that others are not. What are you going 
to do with those whalebone, Wah. 

Make sled, she answered as she tried two long whale- 
bone under the boat, which she had taken from the in- 
side. We got up and helped her and after some fixing we 
had changed our boat into a sled. We then laid down to 
rest. 

After a long sleep we ate our breakfast and then 
started out on our journey. 

Wah and I took turns in drawing the canoe, Stop having 
enough to do to take care of himself. 

We moved along quite rapidly at first, the ground being 
smooth and nothing to hinder us, but it soon became more 
and more rough and rocky, till at last we were compelled 
to carry our boat. 

We were a sorrowful group, scarcely a word was spoken, 
I can see us yet climbing the rocky hills, where not a sprout 
of vegetation was visible. Stop with his gun strapped to 
his shoulder and ascending slowly, sticking his knife into 
the cracks, thus being better able to ho'd himself. Wah 
and I lifting and pulling away at the boat. 

Sometimes I would have to ascend first, taking a piece 
of rope with me which I would then lower, and Wah would 
fasten it to the boat, then she would lift and 1 pull until 


138 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

we got it up. We were all tired and weak, felt more like 
lying down to die than anything else. 

We were without water for four days, and our provisions 
were nearly used up. 

At last by creepiug on hands and knees we succeeded i_; 
reaching the top of the rocks, and to our joy saw at the foot 
of the hill a sea, and a short distance to the right was a 
stream, with an abundance of green grass along its banks. 

This gave us renewed courage, and although we could 
hardly move we managed to get the boat down to the water 
and rowed into the mouth of the stream where we landed 
and laid down on the green grass to rest. 

I soon fell asleep but was awakened by Wah who stood 
by my side pointing at Stop. 

He had taken his #un his hunting bag, and his hatchet, 
and laid them over near me, then he had taken off his 
woodeu leg and laid that under his head, he lay out- 
stretched as though he was dead. 

I tried to get up but could not, bad it come to ’this, after 
so much suffering, that we should die on the banks of this 
uu known stream? 

I am done. I can not go one step farther, groaned Stop. 
I have taken off my wooden leg and am ready to die. Mr. 
Henry, you must go on, do not wait for me. I am old and 
worn out, while you are yet young aud can reach home. I 
can not get my leg on anymore and might as well die here 
as anywhere else. 

Stop, I said, hardly able to speair, don’t make me worse 
then I am, am almost dead now and if you speak that way 
I will never get on my feet again. 

Oh, what, he end as he arose in sitting position and 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 139 

commenced to strap on his leg again. The boss sick ? well 
Stop will wail, he can always die. But no nonsense Henry 
if you die what shall I tell your father and mother, and the 
dear little Fanny? 

And the old man wiped away his tears as his weak- 
ness compelled him to lie down again. 

I explained to Wah the reason we were so weak. That 
our constitution was not strong enough to stand the hard- 
ship and suffering which we had undergone in crossing 
the rocks of Melville island. Not having had much to eat 
for several days, and very little water; and what water we 
did get was very poor. 

So there was but little hopes for us ever being able to 
leave this place; as it would take several days, with plenty 
of fresh meat and vegetables together with good spring 
water, before we would be able to get up; 1 told her to 
take the canoe and proceed on her way home; and leave 
us to make the best of our situation alone. 

She knelt down by my side, put her hand on my fore- 
head, and said. 

Sick— two — three days rest do— good — lay still— Wah 
hunt— fish — find vegetables— paleface never talk more— 
about Wah shall go. What has Wah done that pale 
face speak so. Wah never leave pale brother, me die once 
— great “Manitou” shake his head — send Indian squaw 
back if— she— leave her— friends -no— young— paleface 
be still. 

She then took my gun and some fish hooks, jumped in- 
to the boat and rowed up stream. 

There we lay on the ground, helpless and shivering, 
although Wah had covered us with hides; our ankles were 


140 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP, 
swollen, our heads were aching and in fact everything 
else seemed to be ailing us. 

This is what we get for poking around in an uncivilized 
country growled Stop; here is nothing to do, no honor to 
gain, and no pleasure either. Oh! Oh! 

What is it Stop? I asked, not able to look at him. 

I don’t know, pain all over, sleepy alas, and he lay 
quiet. 

I also fell into a slumber when 1 was awakened by Wah 
coming near; I saw at a glance that she had not been suc- 
cessful. 

No game; no fish, she said slowly, as she sat down by 
my side. 

Never till my dying day shall I forget the tenderness 
with which she cared for us the following night, when we 
were nearly dead; and how she bathed our burning fore- 
heads with water. She refused to take the least rest and 
sat up with us all night. And when we had both fallen 
into a quiet slumber she had taken my gun and gone off 
again in hopes of procuring some food. 

The sun was just peeping over the mountains when 
I opened my eyes and saw Wah come hurrying along the 
bank with a deer on her shoulders. She threw it down 
by the lire and proceeded at once to dress it. She cut slices 
of meat and roasted them by the lire, then she broke 
the bones with our hatchet and made a kind of broth 
from the marrow which she gave us to drink. 

We swallowed the long wanted food like a pair of hungry 
wolves, and after a little felt strong enough to sit up. 

Wah smiled as she saw us improve in strength, and 
gave us more meat and broth until we bade her stop. W 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. Hi 

had several times told her to eat, but she seemed so 
pleased to watch us eat that she would not touch any 
until we had had enough. m 

Why girl! where have you been? asked Stop, as he 
pointed to her torn moccasins and bloody feet. 

Poor Wah, why have you not attended to your sores be- 
fore? 

The girl smiled, Then she arose and went down to the 
stream to bathe her feet, which she afterward greased 
with deerfat; and when she had mended her moccasins 
she lay down to take the long-needed rest. 

We all went to sleep and how long we slept I do not 
know; but when I awoke Wah and Stop were still 
sleeping. 

I stretched myself and sat up. I felt considerably bet- 
ter, so I got up and stirred the ashes, finding scarcely coal 
enough to start the fire again; but after some time I 
had the fire going and put some venison to roast. I had 
nearly enough for a meal for us all when Wah awoke, 
and seeing me she jumped up and took the sticks with 
which I held the meat out of my hand. 

Why did you do that? she said, vexed. Squaw work. 

But you was tired and sleepy; 1 would not wake you. 

Never mind that, she said. Squaw work — no work for 
warrior. 

Well, boss, how do you feel ? said Stop, as he rubbed his 
eyes and rolled over. I feel much better. That soup was 
just fine. My upper story was a little out of order, I guess 
but I am all right now. I think I can walk again. 

Not walk— canoe, said Wah. 


142 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


k50 much better, my girl. So you are also stronger 
Henry ? It pleases me to hear it. 

Everything O. K. Stgp, I answered, as I proceeded to 
help Wah get the boat ready f.»r our journey; and after 
eating a hearty meal and cutting up the rest of the deer y 
we left what I have always called the bay of sickness. 

It is needless to describe the tiresome voyage, how we 
rowed along the shore and stopped to take rest, and how 
we passed several days without food or water, rowing 
around among several islands looking for game and fresh 
water. 

1 will thus pass over three weeks of our journey, when 
we found ourselves at the mouth of a large stream which 
we entered and continued to follow until we reached 
Lake Congecathawhachaga. 

Wah now explained to us that our enemies were num- 
erous. We were now surrounded by different savage 
tribes. Esquimaux, Copper Indians, Hare Indians, and 
Dog-rib Indians, some of them having guns which they 
had received from trading vessels that entered the Mac- 
Kenzie river nearly every year. 

We rowed across the lake and up the Hood river until 
we reached Contwayto, where \Ve took a long rest. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Our journey « as now r perilous, the river flowing be- 
tween high hills, and the current too strong in many 
places, thus compelling us to land several times and carry 
our canoe past waterfalls, etc. Thus w^e travelled for 
several days when our guide iuformed us that we must 
leave this stream and cut across the rocky hills that lay 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 143 

before us; but we must first catch some fish as there was 
no game to be had until we reached the other side. 

We succeeded in catching as many as we could carry, 
which was rather a small quantity, as we had to carry 
our boat and other, articles; so we started on our tire- 
some journey and finally reached the top of the hill after 
several days of hard labor and scarcity of food and water. 

We camped over night in a hollow between the rocks, 
and when we awoke the next morning we could see at 
some distance another stream, which we reached towards 
evening on the fourth day, and Wah told us that we 
must row down stream. 

Rut that will bring us towards the ocean again, said I. 

Not go all the way down — go past Esquimaux town — 
then go ashore— carry canoe again. 

This is blind navigation said Stop shaking his head; 
where are we going? I don’t know, does the boss know? 
you say Wah knows, very well then if you are satisfied I 
suppose I ought to be. 

So we got our boat into the water and went aboard;* 
we did not have to work very hard at our oars here as 
the current carried us along, so we took a rest, ouly steer- 
ing, and now and then increasing the speed by a few 
pulls. 

We traveled a couple ot days in this manner, when we 
came to a place where the river widened and became 
almost a lake; here Wah told us we were to pass the 
Esquimaux town and that we must be very careful. 

We rowed along, when we suddenly discovered a num- 
ber of huts and a large crowd of Esquimaux loitering 
near the shore. 


144 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


Ugh ! said Wah pointing at the numberless crowd. 

Say boss, here is an army, said Stop. I think we had 
better retreat. 

No, no, whispered Wah, not run— Esquimaux— catch 
us — make them — afraid by shooting. 

On the opposite side of the river from where the town 
lay, was a very high bank, here Wah said we would have 
to land, and bending low we steered our boat towards a 
few bushes which grew at the watei’s edge. 

After thus rowing f.-r about half an hour we were 
within 300 yards of our landing, when Stop raised his gun 
and shouted, “they have seen us!” 

No shoot— row, said Wah, as she pulled harder on the 
oars. 

I looked towards the Esquimaux town and saw them 
crowding towards us in boats, men and women, all howl- 
ing and whooping like mad men. 

Yell away, you idiots, shouted Stop, we are not so easily 
scared. Haul away, boss. 

We soon reached the point where we intended to land, 
and hauling our boat out of the water, we carried it up 
the steep bank. 

Wah told us that we. must fight, and I stationed myself 
in shelter behind a bush, while Stop got down behind a 
rock. Wah took her position on top of the rock and mo- 
tioned to the Esquimaux not to come any nearer. 

But they did not heed her warning, but came steadily 
forward, armed with spears, bows and arrows. There 
were about 300 boats, with only one man or woman in 
each. They were now only about 100 yards from shore. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 145 

You are nearest Stop, said I, shoot over their heads 
and make them halt. 

Don’t be alarmed, he answered, but I will let them 
know chat our weapons are loaded. 

He raised his gun and fired. As he was a good shot, he 
could pick anything he chose, and the foremost Esqui 
maux was minus an oar. 

This stop^td the whole gang. They crowded together 
and I noticed a great many European weapons, such as 
hatchets and large hunting knives. 

Wah stood up and held the following converation with 
them: 

What do you want? she asked. 

AVho are you ? said one of them, very much surprised 
to hear their own language spoken. 

A friend of these two palefaces that comes in big ships. 

Where are the big ships? 

Far away from here. 

What do these men want here ? 

Hunting and fishing. 

Very well, Esquimaux hunt for them — come to wig- 
wam -we have large canoe and white wigwam also. 

Palefaces are in a hurry — must go back and join their 
friends, and cannot stay with you here. 

A long pause followed, in which they seemed to con- 
verse in a whisper. Some pointed up stream, others 
down, and some straight towards us. 

They are preparing for battle, said Stop. 

And true enough, p he had no more than spoken when 
part of them started down stream, some up stream, and 
the balance came rushing towards shore. 


U6 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

We fired immediately and loaded again without caring 
for the result of our first volley, as our only hope was to 
scare them before reaching the shore, the number being 
entirely too large for us after they were once on land. 

We fired several times in quick succession and several 
bodies were boating down stream, while others had turned 
back for fear of our deadly weapons, but the most of 
them were crowding forward, evidently bent on aveng- 
ing the fate of their dead comrades. 

Fire once more I said, and then it will be hand to hand, 
ten against one. 

I am prepared, whispered Stop, ramming down the bul- 
let with rapid strokes. 

Just then the Esquimaux reached the shore and two 
were a little in advance of the others, but paid dearly for 
their quick movements, as our weapons were once more 
emptied ana both men went backwards into the stream. 

The rest came pushing forward, and as the landing 
was very narrow they were compelled to come in couples. 

We had not had time to see what Wall had been do- 
ing. She was a little to one side of us and directly 
above the landing where at least twenty of the Esqui- 
maux were now on shore and climbing up the path by 
which we had ascended. 

But she had not been idle; she had foreseen the result 
in case that our bullets should fail to drive the Esqui- 
maux back. 

The rock upon which she had stood was loose and was 
only held up by several smaller ones; these Wah had 
carefully removed and stood waiting for time to act. 

J ust as I turned to see where she was, I saw her take 


147 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 

her tomahawk from her belt, and using it as a pinch- 
bar, she loosened the rock from its resting place. I knew 
her plan at sight, and closed my eyes; a yell from the 
crowd below told me that her undertaking had brought 
destruction to their number, and when I opened my 
eyes there was not an Esquimaux to be seen on the shore; 
the rock had carried every one down into the water 
together with several more who were in the act of land- 
ing. 

It was a sight which I shall never forget, such whole- 
sale slaughtering of human beings; it makes my blood 
run cold when I think of it. 

Some were killed, others were drowning, while those 
that were not injured fled towards their huts. 

Now is the time to fly, I said. Let us get away from 
this horrible place, 

Sh! sh! whispered Wah, as she came close to me and 
pointed down stream. 

I looked. A few rods below where Stop stood I saw 
four Esquimaux creeping cautiously towards us, partly 
hidden by some shrubbery. 

I notified Stop, and I had no more than spoken the 
words before his gun was leveled, a report, and a wild 
yell from three of the Esquimaux mingled with each 
other while the fourth one lay outstretched upon the 
bank. 

I followed Stop’s example and one more had to bite the 
dust, but the other two came rushing forward. 

Ugh! said Wah as she sprang forward like a panther 
and swinging her hatchet. 

In less time than it takes to tell it, Wah met the two 
men. 


148 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


Keep back girl! shouted stop as she sprang past him; 
this is the medicine for them. In one hand he held his 
pistol and in the other his knife; not being only a few 
feet for them Stop soon attacked one while Wah wrestled 
with the other. Wah’s opponent had a spear, while 
Stop’s had a European hatchet. 

I rushed to their assistance, at the same time loading 
my gun, but as I could not get the cap on without look- 
ing down, 1 had to take my eyes from the scene of battle 
for a minute, only to feel my hair raise and a chill creep 
over me when 1 looked up again. 

Stop lay on the ground alongside of the Esquimaux, 
both motionless. Also Wah was thrown to the ground, 
and her opponent stood over her with raised spear, but 
seeing her shining hatchet he stooped to pick it up. This 
action of his saved AY ah’s life and cost the Esquimaux 
his; before he could strike the deadly blow I fired. I saw 
him fall, I knew he was dead; L saw AVah rise up, but my 
first impulse was to rush to where my old companion lay. 

Speak to me Stop. I whispered as I bent over him, 
shivering with fear lest he might not be alive. 

AVe have won the battle he answered, but he was full of 
muscle, the dirty rascal, I can smell him yet. My wooden 
leg saved me this time. 1 shot him with my pistol, at the 
same time he struck at me with his hatchet. I tumbled 
and he struck my stub leg which is none the worse for it, 
but I am nearly tired out. Well how many is killed? 

Too many Stop, too many, but how could we avoid it, 
nevertheless this is no place or time for reflections, we 
must move on, can you get up ? 

As I took the old mans hand to help him up, AA'ah came 
near us and whispered. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 14# 

Must go — quick — Esquimaux no fight now come again 
after they talk together. 

We then gathered our weapons, shoulderd our boat, and 
started up the mountain side without taking any rest, 
although we were very tired. 

We found it very rough and were compelled to travel 
slowly although we were anxious to get along faster, 
eapecially after looking back we saw a small party of 
Esquimaux following us. 

To our great surprise we were entirely cut off from 
further advance by a very high cliff; we were therefore 
compelled to turn aside, and following a sort of path 
which had been formed by Deer or other wild animals we 
found to our dismay that it led us towards the same 
stream which we had just left, only some distance away 
from our bloody field of battle. 

But there was no other outlet for us, we had to con- 
tinue. We soon reached the bank of the stream, and 
found there the wreck of an old boat, built by some of 
our own countrymen (so Stop claimed), also a bag with 
decayed flour, a piece of oilcloth and five rifies in the 
bottom of the boat. 

What in the name of heaven is this? I said. Have 
some of our countrymen perished here? 

It looks like it, answered Stop, as he took out the guns 
and began examining them; up yonder come those dirty 
rats after us, I motion that we remain here and if we 
have to die in this forsaken wilderness, let it be near 
these people’s graves. 

I consented. And a close investigation showed that 


150 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 
the guns had been fairly well protected by the now rotten 
oil cloth. 

They were quite rusty outside but as they were loaded 
we determined to try them on the advancing Esxqui- 
maux. So we cleaned out the nipples put in fresh powder 
and a new cap, then laid them down on the ground with 
muzzles a trifle elevated and pointing directly towards 
the path where we expected the Esquimaux to make their 
appearance. 

We then attached a cord to the triggers so that all five 
could be pulled at once and made it long enough so that 
Wah (who was to operate this battery) would not be in 
any danger in case any of the guns should burst. 

We had no more than got our apparatus in working 
order before we heard shouts and barking of dogs in the 
direction whence we had come. 

Presently the Esquimaux appeared yelling and howling- 
in the most hideous manner; armed with bows, spears 
and tomahawks. 

They came rapidly and when they got inside of our 
rifle range I motioned to Wall and at the same time we 
raised our guns; there was a loud report and a cloud of 
smoke which made it impossible to see for a few min- 
utes. 

When it tinally cleared away we could see several bodies 
lying on the ground, and the rest retreating faster than 
they had advanced. 

After examining the rifles we found that one had failed 
to go off, one was bursted, but the other three had done 
good service. These three we tested and the best one was 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 151 

given to Wah, who now looked as though she could fight 
a whole tribe. 

We could not camp here, so we went a little ways along 
the bank and then turned off again towards the interior 
of the island. We had not gone far when Wah shot a 
deer, which under our present circumstances was very 
welcome; and finding a suitable place we prepared some 
of the meat and ate a hearty meal, whereupon we lay 
down to rest, Wah taking the first turn to keep watch, as 
we did not all dare to sleep at once. 

After we had rested, and had our breakfast, we pro- 
ceeded to cross the mountain; but finding it very rough 
and in some places dangerous. 

Two days later we found ourselves on the other side of 
the rocks and at the source of a small stream into which 
we placed our canoe and began to row down. Along the 
shore was a kind of berry very much like the American 
raspberry, which we picked and ate in great quantities' 
and found them very refreshing We also found some 
wild ducks which we could approach so near as to kill 
them with stones. 

We finally reached the mouth of the stream and found 
ourselves rowing out into Great Bear lake. 

CHAPTER XVII 

I was well pleased, as I expected to row for some time, 
thus giving Stop a chance to rest. He was very tired and 
looked as though he would go under any minute. I was 
getting afraid that his strength would give out entirely 
and that the hour when I must bury him was near at 
hand; I told Wah so while Stop lay in the bottom of the 
boat asleep. 


152 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

But she shook her head and declared that we would all 
get out of this place alright; and she spoke with such a 
feeling that it encouraged me considerably. 

The wind was very strong and we were compelled to 
keep colse to shore; finally we landed and stayed till the 
next morning; when we decided to cut across to a point 
of land which was barely visible. 

The third day we reached what I thought was cape 
McDonald; here we landed and took refreshment and rest 

All the next day we rowed along, until towards evening 
Wah laid her hand on my shoulder. 

What is it? I asked frightened, as I knew something 
was up. 

Redskins, she answered. 

I must admit that my heart began to beat harder, as I 
looked in the direction she pointed; and noticed a light 
% smoke among the trees. 

What race is this ? I asked. 

Don’t know— maybe Dogrib indians, or Hare indians. 

If it is Dogrib indians, what then? 

Fight or fly, she answered with a look that told me how 
she felt. Dogrib— hate— my— race— take Wah to — their 
wigwam— Wah rather die. 

Then we must row out farther perhaps we can escape 
them. 

Very well, she answered, as she pulled harder at her oar» 

AVe were about half a mile from the point where the 
smoke arose, and by rowing out into the lake we were in 
hopes of passing without being seen. 

But in about ten minutes our calculation was brought 
to naught; we heard a yell, and saw two canoes shove off 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 153 

filled with armed Indians, we could see their spears, and 
Wah claimed that one of them had a gun. 

Perhaps he has, I answered, but I doubt him having 
any powder, as traders don't come here very often. 

The girl remained silent, and pulled away at her oar 
with renewed vigor; it was evident that she felt more 
afraid of these savages than she had been of the Esqui- 
maux with which we had had so many conflicts. 

But are these redskins not friendly towards the white? 
I asked, don’t they oftentimes hunt for them ? 

Y r es— when pale face— -many, when only few— kill— dog 
rib like— kill — no friends — Chippewa friends— go to Ft. 
Norman — Cumberland— Dogrib — nasty — dirty. 

I saw her excitement at the thought of falling into the 
hands of this tribe, that 1 gave up all hopes of making 
friends with them. 

Stop was asleep in the bottom of the boat, and I laid 
my hand on his arm and gave him a gentle shake. 

Well, well, sir; what’s up? 

Pirates, in hot chase; guess you will have to take an 
oar also, I answered. 

Where are they ? 

I pointed towards the two canoes. 

Ugh ! those red rascals; are those some of the Dogrib 
Indians Wah has mentioned so often? Haul away boss; 
I think the three of us can teach them a lesson in row- 
ing. 

We commenced to row with all our strength, and as we 
were by this time pretty well used to our boat, we sent it 
across the water with a rapidity that seemed to astonish 
our pursuers, or at least showed them that to catch us 


154 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


would require more skill than they were in possession of. 
It did not require much of an. expert to see that we made 
two rods to their one, and they soon gave up the chase. 

We continued to row along until we could see no more 
of the Indian camp; then we turned towards shore and 
ran into a little bay at the month of a small stream where 
we landed. 

I started off to find some game before it should get to 
dark, leaving Wah and Stop to prepare a place to camp 
over night, bs we could not proceed any further on ac- 
count of hunger and need of rest. 

I was very lucky and soon brought back a nice deer 
which Wah at once proceeded to dress and prepare for 
our supper. 

She had chosen a very secluded spot between a thick 
growth of small trees and close to a large' windfall. Our 
fire was very small so as not to show any great distance; 
and I found that she had, with all the cuteness of her 
race, pulled the boat out of the water and hidden it so 
that it would be impossible for any one to see it. 

We ate our supper without saying a word. Whereupon 
Wah hid our guns under the large wind-fall, and bidding 
us good night, she cre[ t cautiously along the trees to 
some place unknown to us. She was very nervous and 
acted strangely. 

The girl is very restless, said Stop as we laid down near 
the fire, or rather where the fire had been, as we did not 
keep up a fire as we should have done had we been some- 
wheres else; but we had covered the few remaining coal 
with some of the ashes. 

Very much so, I answered, she suspects trouble, and if 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 155 

we were not so completely tired out, I would leave this 
place at once. But let us not go to sleep, and get up as 
soon as daylight appears in the sky. 

I lay still for some time, watching the few stars visible 
between the treetops, and thinking of our suffering and 
hardships, and of the home that I was striving so hard to 
reach; when everything suddenly darkened and I 
imagined myself in England, I had fallen asleep and 
Stop was already snoring before my eyelids were closed. 

After some time, I do not know how long I awoke; 
the moon was shining brightly and as I opened my eyes, 
I saw, one, two, three dark figures sneaking towards us; 
and one stirred up the ashes to find coal. 

I sighed, was it a dream? no it was natural; I was 
awake and we were surrounded by Indians. 

To arms! I shouted, as I made an effort to jump up, 
but sank back entirely lost. It was too late. Stop and I 
were already bound hand and foot. 

Some of them kindled the fire with a few small coal 
and as the flames arose, one of them saw the balance of 
the deer I had killed; he drew it close to the fire and they 
all shouted with delight. 

Then they commenced a sort of jibber among them- 
selves which sounded more like so many geese than hu- 
man beings. One of them pointed to three of his fingers 
and then at us, showing that we were only two. 

This somewhat puzzled them but after a short consul- 
tation they evidently decided to put off the search for the 
third party till morning, as they began cutting up the 
deer and laid it near the fire. 

I had often read about these savages and how they en- 


156 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


joyed torturing their captives, and consequently was pre- 
pared for the worst; such as being burned at the stake by 
a slow, lire, which I considered to be as hard a torture as 
could be produced. 

They seemed to be very much put out about something 
as they looked very cross and ugly, and pointed towards 
me with a sign, that made my blood run cold. 

Stop’s gray hair and wooden leg seemed to save him 
from too severe usage; they only tied him to a tree in a 
standing position. 

Rut I was young and had to taste their merciless and 
inhuman treatment. 

They took two young trees, bent them together, and 
placing me between them they cut the cord that had here- 
tofore held my legs, and tied one leg to each tree; my 
hands Avere likewise dealt with and then they let go of 
the trees. • 

Never, in all my sufferings, had I felt anything so pain- 
ful! I could feel my hands swell and my shoulders ached 
as though they were being pulled from my body. The 
cold sweat rolled down my face, my eyes seemed to crawl 
out of their sockets, I saw visions of all sorts, and then 
everything darkened. 

How long this lasted I do not know, but when I came 
to myself again 1 saw old Stop watching me with a pain- 
ful look, while seven Indians were sitting around the fire 
devouring our venison. 

1 felt very thirsty; and I thought I was nearing death; 
but no, there was still some impression on my mind 
which whispered hope, and I sent a prayer to the Al- 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 157 

mighty to either shorten our time or send a rescuer to re- 
lieve us. 

After those greedy savages had eaten as much as they 
possibly could get down, they examined our cords once 
more and then lay down by the fire and went to sleep. 

Water, water, I whispered. 

I can not move, groaned Stop. That girl has disap- 
peared, and we are done for. These rascals will kill us. 
Mr. Maynard I only wish I could press your hand once 
more before we die. 

Stop, I can not believe that the brave girl has deserted 
us, she will do some good for us yet. 

I hope so, he said, and we both remained quiet. Our 
situation was terrible. There on the ground lay some of 
the worst savages known, and we were their prisoners, 
not able to move. 

But what is that shadow appearing from behind the 
windfall. 

It is Wah with a shining knife in her hand. She steps 
over the tree without a sound of any kind. She kneels 
down by the nearest savage. I knew her intention and 
wanted to close my eyes but could not. She laid her hand 
over his mouth, at the same instand the knife was in his 
heart. 

A low gasp and the indian had passed to his happy 
hunting ground. One of the others raised his head 
slowly, but as Wah had dropped back against the windfall 
he did not see her; and when he seen us still at our post 
he lay down again. 

In a few minutes Wah reappeared; this time she had 


158 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

the three guns, and stepped across to us, so easily that 
not one of the redskins awoke. 

She quickly cut the cords that bound me; and I would 
have dropped to the ground like a stone, had she not held 
me up and let me slide easily down. She soon released 
Stop, and gave each of us our gun; but I was unable to 
hold mine up, so she laid it on the ground, and stood mo- 
tionless for about fifteen or twenty minutes, to give us 
time to get our blood into circulation. 

Rut as I felt that 1 was of no use in a battle and could 
only crawl, I turned towards the boat. 

Where are you going, whispered Wah. stamping her 
little foot on the ground and pointing at the Indians. 

One of the savages stirred and quick as a Hash she fired, 
leaving him where he lay for good. 

The rest jumped up in wild excitement when Stop’s 
gun went off and one more bit the grass. Wah snatched 
up my gun and fired; a fourth Indian threw up his hands 
and fell to the ground while the balance fled into the 
darkness. 

W ah quickly reloaded and followed them for a short 
distance; but not catching sight of them she reurned, and 
rekindled the fire. 

No —more I )ogrib— Indian she said, with the old ring- 
ing laugh. Redskins— got— plenty. 

She had killed three men but it did not seem to affect 
her feelings in the least. 

I watched this wild and uncivilized girl with awe. She 
had saved our lives, but the means she had used were ter- 
rible. Stop did not worry over the dead, any more than 
she did. but wished that they had laid all seven redskins 


159 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 
at their feet. 

Wak brought us some fresh water; and made some 

soup from the bones of the deer. It may seem strange 
to the reader that soup can be made from bones; but 
many a trapper in the wide forests has saved his life by 
making this kind of soup; by crushing the bones witji a 
hatchet, the strength of the marrow boils out and makes 
a very fine dish. 

After eating the soup I fell asleep and did not wake up 
until Wah called me. The sun was shining brightly and 
we prepared t^ leave this place of torture. 

We soon got our boat out and with thankful hearts we 
rowed once more out into the open waters. 

After three days of navigating along the shores of 
Great Bear Lake we found, in the afternoon of the third 
day. something which looked like buildings some distance 
ahead; and as we were generally a safe distance from 
shore, we could not see exactly what it was. But we con- 
tinued to row until we were directly opposite, and after 
satisfying myself that there were no Indians I turned 
the boat towards shore. 

Great was my surprise when we came closer and dis- 
covered a long low building about forty feet long and 
twenty wide, and a smaller one on each side. They 
looked quite deserted and wrecked, but by close examina- 
tion we found that it would not be a very hard job to 
make one of these quite comfortable. 

They stood on a sandbank about fifty yards from the 
shore and about twenty feet above the level of the lake. 

In the rear, at a distance of about two or three hun- 


160 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


clred feet, was a growth of small trees which would give 
a good supply of fuel. 

This was Ft. Franklin ; here some of our countrymen 
had spent the winter only a few years previous, and here 
we decided to spend the one which was near at hand. 
We could not expect to reach civilization, nor even Wah- 
panosh’s friendly tribe before winter and it was better to 
stay here then to be snowed in on our journey without 
shelter of any kind. And we were so completely tired 
out that there was but little courage left to proceed. 

CHAPTER XVIII. f 

We now brought our supplies from the boat to the 
large building, where we at once set to work making- 
preparations for our comfort; which we considered a 
much easier task in about 65 degrees north latitude than 
it had been at 75 degrees the previous winter. 

The building was divided into two compartments; the 
largest we divided into three rooms, one for Wah to sleep 
in, one for Stop and I, and the third tor daily use; we also 
arranged the fireplace sp as to give warmth to all the 
rooms. 

As soon as we had this completed Wah proposed to 
make a raft out of some pieces of timber which lay scat- 
tered about the buildings; this raft she wanted to use 
when she went fishing, as it was more solid than the 
boat. 

So while Stop and I prepared the raft, she cut up some 
skins into small strips and formed them into a sort of 
net; and as soon as her little scow was in the water she 
set out a short distance from shore, lowered her net, and 
was very successful. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


161 


She caught a large quantity of herring and perch, 
which Stop helped to clean and dry or smoke them as 
they saw lit; w hile I became the hunter of the party. 

But I made a very poor one for some time, as the fright 
which those torturing iLdians had put me in kept me 
from venturing very far from our camp. 

We were compelled to stay inside for four days on 
account of heavy rain, which was very new to us. 

After this several deer were seen, and I succeeded in 
killing three, which added greatly to our store of pro- 
visions. 

We also gathered a large pile of wood which we stored 
in other buildings. 

A large snowfall put us in mind that winter was at 
hand, and about ten days later the lake was covered 
with ice. I remember it was the l‘2th day of October, 
when we were compelled to keep a fire all day. The 
birds were all gone and everything looked lonesome. 

But Wah declared this to be the best time for fishing, 
so we made holes in the ice and using two nets we caught 
a great many; these we left out in the outer room where 
there was no fire and they froze hard and kept so until 
spring, thus making a change from the dry or smoked. 

More heavy snowfalls, that compelled us to stay in- 
doors for several days as they were accompanied by high 
winds and increasing cold. 

But when the sky became clear again and we ventured 
outside we found the snow hard enough to hold us up 
most of the time. 

This was a great help to us as we had to gather more 
w T ood for fuel; not having enough to last all winter. 

So we made a sled whereupon we could haul home quite 


1G2 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

a large log: and putting it inside, we could thus put up a 
supply and when stormy weather kept us indoors we 
would cut it up into short pieces as was required. 

We arose about eight o’clock in the morning, ate break- 
fast, and if the weather was tine would make an attempt 
to catch a few fish or hunt a deer; then we would return 
to dinner between twelve and one 

The afternoon was spent in gathering fuel and prepar- 
ing the fish or game which we had procured in the fore- 
noon; as we seldom missed getting something of a kind. 

Then we would eat our supper whereupon I read sev- 
eral chapters in the bible. And as Wah was anxious to 
learn I undertook to teach her, which I found easier then 
I at first had thought it would be. 

Stop would grumble and draw deep sighs, when I sat, 
sometimes for hours and tried to impress upon her some 
of the religious ideas, and most of all to know the differ- 
ence between right and wrong; not knowing why he acted 
so queer until one day he said. 

N ow look here Mr. Henry, what is the use to try to get 
those religious notions into this poor wild girls head, who 
is to marry a heathen, like herself, and who would think 
it an honor to take your scalp if he got the chance? 

My dear Stop, I find it my duty to enlighten this young 
girl as much as possible under the present circumstances. 

Y^oung girl! yes young girl— that is it; and you are 
young too. 

I stared at him for some time without saying a word; 
what could he mean. Did he doubt my honesty ? Did he 
think that I had forgotten the dear soul way back in Eng- 
land? 


163 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

But as my attention was drawn to something else, I did 
not answer him nor did I question him as to the meaning 
of his words. 

Towards the latter part of November I sat in the Fort 
repairing my moccasins, Stop was making a new wooden- 
leg which he called his new ship that was to carry him 
home in the spring; together with other jokes which he 
would pass off. 

I was just going to answer one of his jokes, when VYah 
came running in, with wild staring eyes, and an excited 
countenance which I had never seen before; it made me 
jump up, and grab my gun without knowing the reason. 

Dogrib Indians, she said, as her eyes met mine and 
changed from the wild look to a loving twinkle which I 

had never seen there. 

% 

Those red scoundrels, shouted Stop as he followed me 
out. 

When we came outside of the door, we saw at only a 
short distance about thirty of these torturing, blood- 
thirsty redskins, whom we all dreaded to meet, coming in 
a line towards the fort. 

We at once leveled our rifles and motioned to them not 
to come nearer, at the same time calling to imaginary 
people inside the fort to come out and fight. 

This action of ours brought them to a halt, and after 
talking together a little while, an unarmed man came 
towards us motioning not to kill him. 

When he came near enough so that he could be heard, 
he commenced to speak in a jibber which I seemed to 
recognize as the same that I had heard that dreadful 
night when I was being suspended between two trees. 


164 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


Finally he ended his speech and Wall told us that they 
were hungry, wanted something to eat and to live in the 
fort with us. 

I objected to this and told her that we wuuld not give 
them anything, and furthermore that every Dogrib Ind- 
ian who came inside my rifle range would die, unless they 
once retreated. 

The man threw up his hands in surprise, when Wah 
told him what I had said. 

He then commenced to preach in a very sorrowful tone, 
saying that they had hunted for the white chief who 
built this fort, and had showed his men how to catch fish 
in the lake; that they had been on very friendly terms 
with them and were very sorry to And us so heardhearted 
now when they were hungry. • 

I bade Wah explain to him the torture we had been 
put to only a few moons ago, and that we did not trust 
them in our fort; but if they would promise to stay away 
we would give them some fish, and that I would hunt for 
them the next day; but only on the conditions that they 
would at once leave and send a couple men after what- 
ever I might be able to shoot for them the next day. 

I watched the man closely while Wah spoke. He made 
some very ugly remarks when she told him about the 
killing of some of their men; which, of course, we were 
compelled to in order to make our escape. I thought, by 
the expression he made that they had come for revenge, 
and held my gun in readiness should he make the least 
sign to his companions. 

But when Wah was done he turned and w r eut back to 
1o the crowd; a wild y ell from them when he had spoken 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 165 

made by blood run cold; I felt sure of another bloody 
battle. 

1 was not long in this state of anxiety, as the same man 
was seen advancing with signs as before; he said that 
they had decided to accept my proposition, so Wah went 
inside and brought out the promised fish, which he took, 
and they went away. 

Next day I succeeded in killing two deer, which they 
came after and we never saw any more of their gang. 

Along in the month of December the days were getting 
so short that we could not hunt much, there being only 
about five hours daylight, so we had to live on mostly 
fish; we had, however, saved a nice piece of venison for 
Christmas. We spent that day reading in the Bible, and 
discussing several subjects about which I had read, and 
also talking about how we were to spend next Christmas 
which we had good hope3 ot spending in England. 

Days passed by and nothing occurred, except a visit by 
two Hare Indians. They both carried guns and seemed 
very friendly; but I did not let them come inside, as I 
did not care to have them around very much; and the 
sight of Wah might arouse the feeling which is so com- 
mon among these nortnerly tribes at the sight of a Chip- 
pewa squaw. 

In the beginning of February Wah saw tracks of an 
elk; and as we had lived on mostly dried fish for some 
time, we were determined to try our luck. 

So, early the next morning Wah and I started out; the 
snow was soft and made it hard traveling, but we pressed 
onward for four days (spending the nights without fire) 
without yet having seen anything of the elk. 


166 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

On the morning of the fifth day we ate our last morsel 
of food, and were so tired out that we could scarcely 
move. Still we determined to advance a little farther as 
the tracks were very fresh, and to go back without food 
would be impossible. 

We had spent the forenoon, but had not got very far 
when we saw our game standing under a few trees to our 
left; he was within range and we both fired. 

Instead of trying to escape he came forward with long 
jumps; it was evident that he was heavily wounded or 
he would have tied instead of showing tight; and I expec- 
ted to see him fall every moment. 

But before we realized it he was upon us; Wah jumped 
behind a tree and proceeded to load, but he caught me 
and bore me down with his anilers, and was in the act 
of jumping unto me with both forefeet, when Wah. tired, 
she had aimed well and the poor creature fell down life- 
less. 

To clear away the snow and build a fire was our first 
act, whereupon we cut olf several slices of meat and al- 
most devoured it before it was roasted. We then pre- 
pared our huts, put more wood on the fire, and lay down 
to get the much needed rest. 

The next morning we felt much stronger and after eat- 
ing another hearty meal we rigged a sort of sled upon 
this we loaded our prize and started back towards the 
fort, which we reached after an absence of eight days. 
Poor old Stop was nearly dead with grief, as he had 
given us up for lost; but soon recovered when he had 
some of the meat, and talked to us to be sure we were 
there. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP 167 

About the middle of April, the snow begun to melt and 
as the temperature was warm, we made preparations for 
our departure. But we were badly fo )led, as cold weather 
and more snowstorms soon appeared again so the month 
of May found us yet in possesion of the fort. 

It was about the lirst of June. The weather was warm, 
our boat was in the water, Scop was taking a nap, and I 
wa< packing together some hides convenient for trans- 
portation. Wah was catching a few fish when suddenly 
she dropped her line, picked up the fish and came towards 
the fort. 

She came straight to where I was, and laying the fish at 
my feet she sat down with the following question: 

Why go away? there is game in the woods— fish in the 
lake -birds in the air 

Why go away, I said with surprise, wondering what 
she meant. 

Henry brave warrior— Stop old man— long ways to 
travel— Henry stay here — hunt — Wah fish— live good — 
big land ours. 

My dear girl, I said, think of the hard winter here, and 
so far away from our friends. 

Why— big land— good— if too cold -go to Great Slave 
Lake— build wigwam— hunt — fish— become trapper — big 
warrior— paletace sharp eye. 

I remained silent ror some time, I was so surprised 
that it took me a fully half hour before I could regain my 
speech. I knew what she meant; our long travels to- 
gether, and my refusal on several occasions to give her 
up to these barbarous tribes, had aroused a feeling in her 
which she was now trying to explain. She wanted me to 


168 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


become a wild trapper and take her for a wife, as others 
of my countrymen have done. 

I at last took courage to speak. I am a paletace and 
must go back to the land of palefaces; where I have a 
father, a mother, and a girl that is to be my wife when I 
return. 

Are you sure of that? she asked dryly. 

I am perfectly sure; she is my father's niece and lives 
with him in my home and is waiting for me. 

The pale squaw— is very pretty, she said mournfully. 

Not any prettier than you W ah. They are white, but 
you are pretty in spite of your dark color. 

Why not take Wall then— Wah make good squaw — 
build tire— hunt— lish— do all— make warrior happy— 
Wah no like red warrior now— paleface better— no whip — 
squaw— no let her die in the woods when old -Wah has 
heard paleface and it is good. 

Wahpanosh, I said, as I took her hand. I have a 
brother’s love for you; but my heart is given to another. 
A paleface can only have one s^uaw, and I c in not give 
up Fanny. And I am no warrior, I only light when my 
life is at stake; I hate killing, and wish I never took a 
man’s life. 

I feel very thankful to you for your guidance as I am 
sure that without you we would never have g )t this far; 
and I shall never forget you. I will send pr*sents to you 
and your tribe when I co.ne back to my people. 

Wah will not go back to red min’s wigwam -her skin 
is red— but her heart is white— paleface reading in the 
big book has blinded her eye— she cannot see Indian — 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 169 

Manitoa more -but will go and live in big house with 
paleface— Wah has spoken. 

She then arjse and walked slowly towards the boat; 
where she picked up her line and resumed fishing. 

I knew it, said Stop when I told him. It is too bad. If 
she had only taken a liking to me instead. I am a free 
man and although rather old would not have hesitated. 
Ha, ha, ha, well there is no sense in it aoy way. 

That same evening we packed all our stuff and the 
next morning we left the fort. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

We were a happy group as we left our winter quarters 
and rowed along the coast for some time, until we came 
to the mouth of a river which we entered. 

We had planned our route as follows: We would follow 
this stream for some distance, then cut across land to 
Mackenzie river, thence to Great Slave lake and Lake 
Athabasca, across to Winnipeg where we expected to 
meet friends. 

It was a very long journey, but we had stood so many 
hardships that we felt sure we could reach our destina- 
tion. 

Wah was as usual, and Stop and I had gained consider- 
able strength, so after a few days’ sailing we landed, and 
started on the old way of navigating on land, that of car- 
rying our boat. 

After spending several days and nights in the wilder- 
ness, we reached Mackenzie river, but pretty well tired 
out. We, however, rowed along its banks until we found 
a suitable place to camp. 


170 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


We landed near a small clear stream which proved to 
be spring water and thus supplying us with fresh water; 
here we took a good long rest before we proceeded. 

It is needless to explaiu in detail the many weeks spent 
in rowing up the Mackenzie to Great Slave Lake, as 
nothing of any particular nature hanpened. 

We landed a great many times to rest, or to hunt, often 
spending two or three days without finding any game. 

When we reached Great Slave Lake, we rowed along its 
coast for some distance, when we discovered a river 
which we thought would bring us towards Lake Atha- 
basca, consequently we pushed up stream, and after sev- 
eral days hard rowing we found to our dismay that we 
were being carried m a wrong direction, the river con- 
tinually bearing farther and farther northward thus 
bringing us further from our course. 

We then concluded to start again on foot in the direc- 
tion we supposed the stream was, that would lead us 
south. 

After about a week’s travel carrying our boat or drag- 
ging it as we found most convenient we reached the 
banks of a very swift stream; but as we were very tired 
we thought it advisable to go down this for a short dis- 
tance at least, and after taking refreshment and rest we 
embarked once more. 

But had I known the result of this voyage beforehand 1 
would gladly have traveled afoot all the ways. 

We went down stream very rapidly, and must have 
sailed a good many miles when we came to a short bend 
around which we were whirled so suddenly that we would 
all have been thrown into the water only for Wah jump- 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 171 

mg into the water and dragging canoe and all to the 
shore. 

We now built a fire to dry the girl’s clothes and also to 
prepare our rneal; after this was completed we took a 
survey of the river below and saw a waterfall onlv a few 
rods from where we had been ou the poiut of capsizing. 

It would thus be necessary to carry our boat pa-*t the 
fall, and as we were not quite rested from our last journey 
on land we concluded to stay where we were till the next 
day; but Wah declared we had better move on, she felt 
very uneasy; there are times when a person’s instinct seems 
to tell of coming troubles, and it appeared to be natural for 
her to foretell when we were io immediate danger. 

We therefore resolved to let her lead as she often had 
done before, and started towards the boat; when Wah 
suddenly stopped. 

UgR$ she said as she pointed towards some small 
bushes near the shore. 

I looked and saw a redskin creeping on hands and feed 
in the direction of our boat, evidently bent on stealing it. 

The report of Wah’s rifle rang out over the water, 
the indian sprang up with a yell and tumbled backwards 
into the river. 

To the boat! shouted Stop, as a warwhoop from a dozen 
or more indians sounded from the wocds to our left. 

Be quick whispered Wah as she reloaded her gun, at the 
same time moving in the direction of the boat. 

I turned face about and raised my rifle, for if possible, 
to keep back the indians long enough for Wah to loosen 
our boat and assist Stop into it. 

The Indians were coming towards us with rapid strides, 


172 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


but the sight of my gun slackened their speed for a mo- 
ment. 

I was retreating as fast as I could, still facing them, 
when another warwhoop rang out, and they made a rush, 
evidently with the intention of overpowering us before 
we could get away. 

I fired; one indian went to his happy hunting ground; 
but the rest came forward without noticeing the one that 
fell. 

Stop and Wall had now reached the boat and called to 
me to join them, at the same time emptying their weap- 
ons at the now furious redskins. 

I turned and a few jumps brought me to the boat and 
we shoved off. Directly below us was the waterfall, al- 
though it was not very large it was doubtful that our 
poorly constructed craft could cross it without being- 
crushed to splinters. 

The current was too swift to go up stream, and direQt- 
ly opposite us were high rocks which were impassable; 
but if we could cross over perhaps we could lay under the 
cliff and keep up a continued fire until all the Indians 
had been picked off by our bullets or driven back. 

This we concluded would be our safest course when 
Wah pointed to the top of the rock. Her sharp eye had 
caught the painted face of three redskins lying low be- 
hind a few bushes, eyeing us with the greediness of a 
panther waiting for the moment when they could spring 
upon their prey. 

What shall we do? I askod trembling. 

God have mercy on us added Stop. 

One-leg lay down in boat— young paleface— tie guns 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 173 

here— save powder from getting wet -be still as— little 
mouse no move— or all drown - said Wah as she turned 
the boat directly towards the waterfall. 

What do you intend to do ? I asked. 

Go down the fall, was her only answer. 

1 looked at her, as she stood there; erect as a lofty 
pine, not showing the slightest sign of excitement. She 
had lost her cap and her long hair was waving with the 
wind. I could not but admire her coolness and quick 
thought; and wishing that I could only possess half of 
her wit and sharpness. 

A wild yell frem the Indians rang out, as they noticed 
our intention. And we were on the point of crossing 
the fall when, ah ! what was that shot, and what was that 
painful cry, where did it come from, who was hurt; 
everything was lost from my view, I was wet and where 
was I? All this dashed through my mind as I was 
being carried over the waterfall; and a few minutes later 
I found myself lying on a sandbar in about six inches of 
water. 

I arose, I was alone; I looked around. A short distanco 
below I saw Stop crawling out of the water and going 
towards some dark object farther down. I thought it 
looked like the canoe bottom side up. 

But where was Wah? My eyes ran searching in all 
directions, but no girl was visible. I started after Stop, 
and when near enough I called out to him. 

Where is the girl? 

The old man looked around; Is she not with you? 

No, I answered. 

I feared as much, he sighed; then it is her, yonder 


174 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, 


clinging to the boat. 

I understood it all now; that shot had been fired by one 
of the Indians, and from her had come the cry, just as we 
capsized and went over the waterfall. She must be 
wounded or perhaps dead. 

I hurried to the Spot There she lay clutching the boat 
and a deadly pallor overspreading her face. 

Defend the pass, she said in a low whisper, defend the 
pass, Wah no dead yet— young paleface— take all guns— 
go defend the pass. 

But my dear girl, what pass? I asked, as I turned the 
boat over and helped her to a sitting position on the 
shore., putting my coat on a rock against which she laid 
her head. 

Go, defend the pass— quick Wah see— paleface— brave 
warrior. 

1 took a view of the situatien; directly opposite the 
waterfall was a narrow path along the rock, about thirty 
feet above the water; and Wah declared that was the on- 
ly way by which the Indians could reach us. 

I then took the three guns and started towards the 
pass; L had no sooner got within good rifle range of the 
place, when I heard shouts and laughter. 

Presently the troop came m view; the three painted 
warriors in the lead, and one of them carrying a gun. 

They had in some way unknown to us, got across the 
stream above, and joined the crowd that had given us 
the chase. Bat they evidently all thought we were dead, 
as they showed no signs of being on the lookout. 

I fired at the foremost, he 1 ell backward, and as the 
path was only about a foot wide, he took several more 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 175 

with him down the precipice into the rushing stream be 
low. 

There was a general stampede; I fired into the excited 
mob twice more, and l saw everyone of the Indians go 
over into certain death. 

I turned back without the least pity for any of them, 
they had robbed us of our guide and I felt a kind of hatred 
towards them which I never had felt before nor after; not 
even when they had me banging in midair. 

When I returned I could see by the expression on Stop’s 
face that our trusty friend was nearing the grave* 

She was drinking a lot of water which Stop had brought 
for her. 

The bullet had struck her shoulder and glanced into her 
lungs. 

Welcome Henry, she said as she reached out her hand. 
How many Indians have gone to to the hunting ground? 

All, I answered, as I knelt by her side. But do not 
think of that, you are about to die, you have not many 
more hours to remain in this sinful world; you must think 
of your own salvation now. 

Her eyes lost the wild look of hatred which she had evi- 
dently fe't towards the tribe who had thus caused her 
pain; her face changed and looked as innocent as a child. 

Henry, will we meet up in heaven? she asked, softly. 

Yes, my girl; by the help of God we shall meet there. 

Tell me all, then. Tell me about Him who died, as you 
say, for red, black and palefaces. 

I looked at Stop; tears were flowing freely down his 
cheeks, his hands folded as in prayer; he also knelt by her 
side; snd for nearly an hour I explained to her everything 


176 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

as best I could. I read to her from the Bible, and finally 
ended by folding my hai da and saying a quiet prayer. 

Henry, she wh sperd, learu me to pray. 

I shall never forget the feeling that came over me when 
I noticed how changed this child of the wilderness was, 
and I prayed aloud; she repeating every word of it with a 
solemnity, that I was sure she prayed from her heart. 

As we finished a few dead bodies floated by. 

Poor people, she said, they knew no better. 

I looked at Stop and we both cried aloud. 

Henry, she whispered, faintly, lay my head against your 
shoulder. 

I did as she requested. 

Good-bye Henry— good-bye Stop — cry no more— where is 
the cloud — I — I— cannot see you, Henry — God — bless >ou. 

She closed her eyes and drew her last breath. 

We had better bury outSelvrs here also, said Stop, with 
a sigh; we have lost our best friend. 

We have lost a trusty friend indeed, Stop; a friend who 
has by her continual watching saved our lives a great 
many times, and a friend which I shall never forget. We 
will bury her tomorrow like a Christian. 

By the help of God, Amen, said Stop as he wiped away 
the tears. 

I examined the boat but it was of no more use; 
it was a total wreck. All we had now was our guns and 
a few bearskins, one of these we wrapped around Wah’s 
lifeless body; and as it was nearly dark we started a fire 
but did not prepare anything to eat, as our sorrow was 
too great to allow us any appetite; but we dried our 
clothes, and then prepared to spend the night watching 
over the dead. 


V 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 177 

I read several chapters in the bible, by the light from 
the fire; and as night wore on we became very sleepy. 

We then pat on more fuel and lay down, not caring 
whether we ever awoke again or not; as we felt that 
without the shrewd indian girl for a guide and without 
the boat, would be impossible to get much farther. 

But the hand of providence that had been held over us 
so often, was still protecting ns, and we awoke at the 
first dawn of daylight on the eastern horizon. 

Everything seemed so strange without Wall’s pleasant 
voice calling us to breakfast, which was generally the 
first we heard when we awoke. I could not quite realize 
what had happened until I arose and saw the lifeless 
form of her, lay wrapped up as we had left it the even 
ing before. 

The incident of the forgoing day now came back to 
my mind; 

I knelt down beside her, and offered a prayer or her 
soul as well as for ours. 

There was a large pine tree standing all alone only a 
few feet from where she died; and at the foot of this 
we proceeded to dig her grave. 

But as we had no spade nor shovel it was a task which 
required considerable time and labor: still we were de- 
termined to bury her enough so that wolves and other 
animals should leave her rest in peace. 

After we had dug a sufficient depth we laid her down 
in; and took the wrecked boat which we turned bottom 
side up, and laid this as a cover over her. 

We then filled the grave, and finding -a lot of stones we 
piled these on top of the grave to preserve it from being 


178 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


trampled upon. Whereupon we left the place and 
wandered down stream not knowing where we went. 

It is not necessary to describe the next thirty days any 
further then that we continued dragging ourselves slowly 
along the banks of this river, half starving and often 
wishing that we had laid down to die along side of the 
Indian girl’s grave. 

We were getting so exhausted and broke down that 
we could no more hunt anything to eat; and after starv- 
ing for nearly a week we were ready to lay down, not 
caring what become of us, when we suddenly discovered 
a flag flying over a fort only a short distance away. 

What little strength there was left was now gathered 
and after another day’s suffering we arrived at the fort 
where we were fed, clothed and nursed with the greatest 
care. 

They not even asked who we were or where we came 
from, until ten days after our arrival when we had gained 
enough strength to sit up, and told our story. A story 
which they hardly could believe. 

But we proved the truth to them by explanations of 
different tribes and places with which some of them 
were acquainted, and they advised us to remain until 
they were going over to Ft. Williams, from whence they 
would get passage for us to England. 

We consented, and it was in this fort that I dotted 
down most of the incidents of my journey, in the sweet 
hope of once more seeing my beloved friends and native 
land 

Here ends the adventures of another arctic explorer. 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


179 


CONCLUDING CHAPTER. 

We will now explain to the reader how things went on 
in Plymouth. It was a hard blow to them when Henry 
left on a voyage which so many had attempted, but had 
failed. But they still dwelt in the hope that he would 
return and all would be well. 

Mr. Maynard rode down to his place of business as 
usual, but not with the same bright and intelligent look; 
he was very sober and seldom noticed people as they 
passed. 

Some accused him of being too rich and independent, 
others that he had too much business and that it was very 
foolish for his son to always be traveling instead of re- 
maining at home and take the burden from his aged 
father’s shoulder. 

Mrs. Maynard and Fanny often spoke of Henry when 
they were alone, and were also very sober. They would 
sometimes inquire of old Tim .Stop how cold it was, and 
if there were many storms up north, etc. He would tell 
them tales of his adventures as a sailor, and make it as 
easy as possible, so as not to give them more anxiety 
than necessary. 

Time passed, and only once did they hear from the de- 
parted ship. 

Some one reported that they had hailed them in the 
month of August and all was well on board. 

These news sounded pleasant but were not encouraged 
long. One wiuter passed, summer came, and at the end of 
this season he was to be back. Mrs. Mayoard and Fanny 
were already preparing the bridal apparel. 


180 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 


But what had become of old Stop? He had disappeared 
without saying a word about going, and no one knew of 
his whereabouts 1 . Where could he have gon-? They ad- 
vertised and questioned all over, but no Stop was to be 
found. 

Tney were in the din ng room oae evening, and Fan iy 
had just rung the bell or the servaets to bring them light 
and some t a, when they heard footsteps coming up the 
path, and a moment later ttiere was a rap at the door. 

Fanny we :t to open ir, and there stood Captain Shipton. 

Where is my son? asked Mr. Maynard as he arose from 
his chair. 

My boy! shrieked Mrs. Maynard, as she fell over and 
fainted. 

Where is Henry? sa d Fanny, as she went to Mrs. May- 
nard’s assistance. 

The capain raised his hand and wiped away the tears. 

Captain Shipton, said Mr. Maynard, after they had 
brought his wife to again and la d her on the lounge; what 
news do you bring? I see by your actions that they are not 
good news; speak out, I am prepared for the w r orst. 

Captain Shipton now related in brief the story which 
our reader is already acquainted with, and said that after 
a long and unsuccessful search they had given up al 
hopes and returned. He also told of meeting a vessel 
with old Stop on board, and that when the old sailor 
heard of Henry’s misfortune, he was bound to press far- 
ther north and said he would not come any more unless 
he found Henry. 

When the captain had finished his story, Mrs. Maynard 
and Fanny were crying. Mr. Maynard sat with his 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 181 

elbows resting on his knees and his face buried in his 
hands. 

For some time nobody spoke. At length Mr. Maynard 
looked up and extending his hand to Captain Shipton 
said: I have no doubt you have done your best, and I do 
not blame you in the least; but it is my desire that you 
go back and renew your search; draw on me for anything 
you heed for the voyage. Steer straight to where he was 
lost and visit every island within your power, and try if 
you can bring any news to the effect that he is still alive. 

So Captain Shipton was again headed northward and 
nothing was heard of him for a long time. 

It was now a sorrowful group at the Maynard mansion. 
There were no more parties, no more enjoyment of any 
kind. 

The next morning Mr. and Mrs. Maynard were dressed 
i n mourning; and when Fanny came down to breakfast 
she too had put on a gown of black. 

Mrs. Maynard took her in her arms and said. My 
dear child have you also given up all hopes? 

I found this in my room and felt like wearing it, she 
answered sobbing. 

Very w 11, my girl said Mr. Maynard, we have not 
given up all hope yet, but this dress is becoming to 
persons who have as good reason to mourn as we. 

Time passed by and the ship, on which Stop had left 
came back with the news that th-y had found an island 
with signs of some one inhabiting it, but failed to find 
the person or persons, xlnd that Stop felt sure it was 
Henry; so he stayed there, but the early approach of 


182 HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 

winter had crowded them south and thus hindered them 
from visiting the island again. 

This news was not very encouraging', but there was 
yet a spark of hope. Captain Shipton would surely find 
this island and if Stop had found Henry, they might 
have managed to live there until Captain Shipton should 
arrive. 

It was a long time before Shipton returned. When 
he came he had some tidings of the lost. 

He said, that they had found the island, and that it 
was inhabited by Esquimaux, and that they had com- 
plained about two white men who stole some of their 
dogs and a sled; and had also taken with them a young 
Indian squaw, whom they had taken prisoner in a tight 
with the Chippewa tribe. 

This was still more encouraging, and Mr. Maynard 
was quite sure that they had reached the American 
continent, and in that event, they would soon return. 

But days, weeks and months passed, and still no sign 
of them, nor did they receive any more news as to the 
whereabouts of their beloved boy. 

So the hope that they had dared to form, died away; 
and Mr. and Mrs. Maynard often wondered if the story 
of Henry going away with an Indian girl, had not given 
Fannie a deadly blow. 

She grew paler as time passed; even Mr. and Mrs. 
Maynard looked older than the advanced years could 
have caused. 

It was a pleasant afternoon in the month of October, 
that Mr. and Mrs. Maynard, together with Fanny and a 


HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 183 

young man by the name of Markham, went out for a 
walk. 

Mr. Markham was Maynard’s head book-keeper and 
tried his best to win the fair lady. His visits to the 
Maynard mansion became more frequent and Mr. and 
Mrs. Maynard seemed well pleased with his company; 
they did not know of anyone whom they would sooner 
see in their son’s place, then this promising young man. 
And as Henry was without doubt lost, they looked for- 
ward towards the time when Fanny would be sole heir 
to a vast estate. 

Fanny accepted Markham’s attentions merely as a friend. 
She had noticed her uncle’s and aunt’s kindness towards 
him and guessed their feelings. 

She was very thankful to them for the hospitality shown 
her, when her parents died; and tried to return the kind- 
ness in every possible way. But yield to their wishes in re- 
gard to Mr. Markham she never would; she had not gnftm 
up her tirst love, and even though he was dead she could 
never forget him. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maynard had sat down on a bench, and the 
young couple stood a short distance from them conversing. 

Miss Fanny, said Markham, Mr. Maynard advised me 
this morning to talk w ih you about the future; he was 
kind enough to say that he thought I would make you 
happy. 

Has he given up all hopes? said Fanny, with a deep 
s gh. 

It seems natural enough that he should. 

Well, I have not, and never — Ah! who is this? Henry! 


184 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP. 

Henry! And she darted towards the house as if shot from 
a cannon. 

Mr, and Mrs. Maynard arose when the heard their 
long lost mentioned; and yes, there he was, coming up 
the path towards the house, accompanied by old Tim 
Stop; although he wore a full beard, it was without 
doubt their son. Yes of course it was him. 

They saw him open his arms when Fanny met him and 
lifting her up he kissed her time and again, whereupon 
he came forward to meet his parents. 

No pen can describe the scene that followed, and from 
which Markham withdrew, going into the 'house where 
he sat down to attend to business corsespondence. He 
was the only one at the Maynard home that did not 
rejoice. 

So you knew me? said Henry, after the crying and 
kissing had somewhat ceased and they had started tow- 
ards the nouse. 

Immediately, answered Fanny; how manly you have 
grown. 

A 'id what a love'y woman you have become. 

But where is the Indian girl? asked Fanny suddenly. 

Henry looked at Stop and then at all the rest as though 
he was unable to answer. 

Don’t look so scared, added Fanny, smiling. I mean the 
Indian with whom you fled from the island. 

Ah, her death was the most sorrowful event of the whole 
journey, said Stop, as they both wiped away a tear. 

But, by the way, how did you find out we were in com- 
pany with an Indian girl? asked Henry. 


HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP. 


185 


They told of Captain Shipton’s visit to the island; and 
everybody entered the house where they all listened to 
the story of our young Crusoe, and which he was often 
called upon to repeat. 

There was great joy now at the Maynard mansion, 
Mr. Maynard stepped more briskly into his office the next 
morning, and Mrs. Maynard became younger looking; 
her old time jokes were again heard. 

Timothy Stop became the hero of the place and often 
had to tell the story of his search, and how he had fought 
hand to hand with Esquimaux, etc. 

Everybody was now busy making preparations for the 
wedding which was to be the largest and grandest ever 
known in Plymouth. 

All the bells toned forth their congratulations one 
bright frosty morning in December, when Henry ana 
Fanny drove to the church where they were pronounced 
man and wife, “ ’till death doth you part.” 

Many were the presents and good wishes the> received 
during the day; and all the guests pronounced it to be 
the prettiest couple yet united. 

Indeed they did look happy, which they had a good 
reason to, they had been hard tried and stood the test 
which perhaps very few would have stood so well. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maynard lived a number of years to 
see their children live a happy life, and as the younger 
Crusoes grew up, Mr. Maynard would tell them of the 
adventures of their father in the far north. 


THE END. 
































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